Fidelity Bank engages students with entrepreneurial skills

Fidelity Bank Plc, in partnership with Gazelle Academy and Federal Polytechnic, Oko Venture, has embarked on entrepreneurship training programme for 400 students in Anambra State.

The move, which is part of deliberate efforts to reduce youth unemployment levels in Nigeria, was organised under the Fidelity Youth Empowerment Academy Stream 3.

The weeklong training programme was aimed at equipping the students with skills and capabilities needed to kick start businesses even while in school. Some of the skill areas participants were trained on include fashion, accessories, cocktail, tailoring, and makeup, shoe making and digital marketing.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the third edition of the scheme, the bank’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nnamdi Okonkwo, noted that the initiative seeks to empower the Polytechnic community by creating thriving business owners amongst students.

Okonkwo, who was represented by the Regional Bank Head, Enugu-Anambra-Ebonyi Region, Leonard Ezugwu, encouraged the participants who had successfully completed the programme, themed: “Turning Your Passion Into Pay Cheque,” not to relent in their efforts to build highly successful businesses.

“I was impressed with your individual dedication and collective performance during the training. Always motivate yourselves. You are indeed lucky to have been chosen as a participant.

“I therefore challenge you to go out there and make a success out of this for yourselves, and please remember that the right attitude and a strong will to succeed will take you far,” he added.

Founder, Gazelle Academy, Muna Onuzo, thanked the participants for their zeal and active participation as evidenced by the number of things ranging from sandals, clothing apparels, beadworks, cocktails that were made by the participants and on display for visitors who thronged the school to witness the closing ceremony.

Onuzo, who noted that entrepreneurship remains the most viable solution to the current economic challenges, encouraged them to use the platform to gain financial freedom and self-reliance.

The Deputy Rector of the Polytechnic, Mrs. Gladys Anene, commended Fidelity Bank for the initiative, calling on other financial institutions to emulate the bank in giving back to the society through laudable youth empowerment programmes like YEA3.