Rotary, First Bank Commit N20m to Empowering Indigent Nigerians
Omolabake Fasogbon
In fulfilling its commitment to empowering individuals, the Rotary International District 9110 has partnered with First Bank to empower indigent Nigerians with vocational tools valued at N20 million.
The move aimed to cushion effects of economic hardship while ensuring that beneficiaries of the gesture remain financially independent and also able to impact their families and society at large.
Some of the items donated which included sewing machines, grinding machines, plumbing kits, deep freezers, generators, amongst others, would complement government’s interventions, the District Governor of District 9110, Rotarian Ifeyinwa Rita Ejezie said.
Calling on effective collaboration at the government level, Ejezie said this would go a long way in reaching those at the grassroots and enhance community development.
“We know that government cannot do it alone, hence this move. This happens to be the largest empowerment initiative that the district had done in recent times. Gladly, we were able to draw support also from The Rotary Club of Singapore and we are especially thankful to First Bank which is our major supporter of the programme. We have a 10-year plan with the club,” she disclosed.
Speaking, the Unit Head, Other SME Products, E-Business and Retail at First Bank, Ms. Helen Ihonre stated that the gesture aligned with the bank’s dedication to fostering a robust business environment and stimulating economic growth.
“We have always supported projects of rotary and other humanitarian organisations to better the lots of indigent Nigerians through Start Performing Acts of Random Kindness (SPARK) initiative,” she stated.
She further advised beneficiaries to cultivate habit of savings as well as take advantage of low-interest loans to support their business.
According to the Director, Lagos State Agency for Mass Education, Mrs Kemi Kalesanwo, 22 out of the 102 beneficiaries were from the agency’s vocational training centres, adding that such reaffirmed the state’s readiness for public-private partnerships.
