By JKNewsMedia
EMPOWERING 125 emerging entrepreneurs with business training and financial support, Union Bank of Nigeria has deepened its drive for sustainable development by sponsoring the Nigerian British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) Women and Youth Entrepreneurship Development Centre (WYEDC) Cohort 2 Programme through its alpher initiative.
This latest partnership underscores the bank’s long-standing commitment to entrepreneurship and inclusive growth, particularly in support of women and youth-led enterprises.
Small and medium-sized businesses remain the lifeblood of Nigeria’s economy, contributing nearly half of national GDP and generating more than half of industrial employment.
Union Bank’s involvement in WYEDC reaffirms its strategic vision of nurturing this vital sector.
Addressing the graduates during the ceremony, NBCC’s Director General Dr. Ebere Njoku highlighted the Chamber’s ongoing focus on entrepreneurship as a transformative economic force.
She praised the facilitators, sponsors, and partners for investing in practical training and opportunities for participants.
The initiative reflects the legacy of Mr. Ray Atelly, President and Chairman of NBCC Council, whose vision led to the creation of a platform offering grants and entrepreneurial pathways to aspiring business leaders.
Speaking to the graduates, Mr. Atelly urged them to persist in the face of adversity and pursue their ambitions with unrelenting resolve.
NBCC Patron Senator Akin Odunsi encouraged the new graduates to apply their acquired skills meaningfully and urged the Chamber to consider internship placements for the next cohort, ensuring trainees gain valuable work exposure alongside their technical learning.
Delivering a message on behalf of Union Bank CEO Mrs. Yetunde Oni, the Head of Retail and SME Business, Mrs. Vivian Imoh-Ita, emphasised the Bank’s belief in entrepreneurship as a force for economic transformation.
She explained that through alpher, the Bank continues to create pathways for women-led businesses and young innovators to thrive despite a volatile economic climate.
Highlighting practical outcomes of the programme, three entrepreneurs emerged as winners of the Union Bank Business Pitch competition.
Evelyn Ekene Ani of Evani.Ng secured first place, followed by Martha Padonu of Beyond Photography and Therietta Vershima of La Teriz in second and third respectively.
All three received funding support to scale their businesses.
Union Bank’s ongoing sponsorship reflects its commitment to a resilient, inclusive economy, driven by bold ideas and entrepreneurial spirit, especially among the country’s underrepresented groups.
