Heritage Bank offers N50m grant to youth entreprise scheme
The Managing Director of Heritage Bank, Ifie Sekibo
Heritage Bank Plc in partnership with the Nigerian Young Professionals Forum (NYPF) has raised support to young entrepreneurs with a N50 million grant.The grant was awarded to about 35 young entrepreneurs from agricultural, creative industry and the information and communication technology sectors, after a rigorous and transparent review process conducted by an independent body, out of the tens of thousands that applied for the grant.
The Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Bank, Ifie Sekibo, at the award ceremony, noted that the nation’s economy has experienced severe downward spiral, affirming that the 35 successful entrepreneurs will be provided with the required guidance on fund management as individual beneficiaries would get at most N2million each.
Sekibo, who was represented by the Divisional Head, Retail/SME, Mrs. Ori Ogba, stated that the bank supported this initiative because of its belief in Nigerian youths, who make up about 80 percent of the country’s population.
She further explained that Heritage Bank was impressed with the nature in which talents were sought out for, the rigorous selection process and the integrity with which the overall scheme was delivered.
Ogba expressed her satisfaction in the long term sustainability of the initiative, stating, “We will not support something that will not stand the test of time.”
The Chairman/Founder of the NYPF, Moses Siasia, said the idea of the grant came out of the desperation of young Nigerians to build businesses in an economy fraught with a seemingly endless onslaught of challenges.
He explained that the society does not encourage young talents and innovations, while stating that the country is yet to tap up to 5per cent of its youthful resource. He called on all stakeholders to see youth growth as a priority for National development.
Siasia commended Heritage Bank for its unflinching support to SME growth in Nigeria. According to him, Heritage Bank remains the only bank that had entered into partnership with NYPF on this scheme after being turned down by other potential sponsors and appealed to all young people in the country to see the bank as their wealth partner.
YESGrant Brand Ambassador Mrs. Stephanie Okereke-Linus congratulated the winners of the Grants and praised Heritage Bank for its commitment to young people. She advised other banks to emulate Heritage Bank, while seeking beneficiaries to put the money received to good use.
A 30-year-old Paul Okoroafor, owner of Santa Paulo Delakusa, one of the beneficiaries that received N2 million, said the fund will be used for full oil palm production.He expressed gratitude to the NYPF and Heritage Bank for giving hope to them.
Related
Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox every day of the week. Stay informed with the Guardian’s leading coverage of Nigerian and world news, business, technology and sports.
0 Comments
We will review and take appropriate action.