Union Bank Powers Dreams, Funds Future At NBCC Entrepreneurship Graduation

Union Bank of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to building a prosperous future for women and youth entrepreneurs by sponsoring the second cohort of the Nigerian British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) Women and Youth Entrepreneurship Development Centre (WYEDC) Programme.

The initiative, backed by Union Bank’s alpher platform, recently celebrated the graduation of 125 entrepreneurs who received comprehensive training and business funding support.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the lifeblood of Nigeria’s economy, contributing approximately 48% to the nation’s GDP and employing over half of the industrial workforce. This vital economic role is what inspired Union Bank and NBCC to partner on a mission to empower emerging entrepreneurs with the tools and capital needed to drive meaningful change in their communities.

In her welcome address, Dr. Ebere Njoku, Director General of NBCC, praised the collective efforts of sponsors, facilitators, and partners, stating that entrepreneurship, especially among women and youth, is key to unlocking sustainable development. “Their growth is our national gain,” she said, applauding Union Bank for championing inclusive economic progress through capacity building and financial empowerment.

The entrepreneurship programme was birthed through the vision of Mr. Ray Atelly, President and Chairman of the NBCC Council, who encouraged graduates to persist through obstacles and stay focused on their entrepreneurial goals. “This is your chance. Don’t let anything stop you. One day, you’ll sit atop a conglomerate,” he said, urging them to view challenges as stepping stones to greatness.

NBCC Patron, Senator Akin Odunsi, FRPA, also lent his voice to the ceremony, reminding graduates to apply their new skills as change-makers within their communities. He called on the Chamber to establish internship placements for subsequent cohorts, describing it as a crucial bridge between theory and practice that would benefit both trainees and host organisations.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of Union Bank’s CEO, Mrs. Yetunde Oni, the Bank’s Head of Retail and SME Business, Mrs. Vivian Imoh-Ita, highlighted the alpher initiative’s impact. “When we invest in women and youth, we unlock the nation’s true growth potential,” she stated. She emphasised Union Bank’s resolve to dismantle the barriers faced by entrepreneurs and turn them into opportunities for innovation and progress.

Winners of the Union Bank Business Pitch competition, Evelyn Ekene Ani of Evani.Ng, Martha Padonu of Beyond Photography, and Therietta Vershima of La Teriz, were awarded funding support to scale their ventures. As Union Bank continues to drive forward-thinking solutions in Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape, fasnewsng.com is proud to spotlight and support impactful initiatives like this, in line with its mission to amplify development-focused stories that inspire change.

By Lekan Olofinsusi