WEMA bank, in partnership with the Entrepreneurial Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University and Mastercard, has stated that it will empower 10,000 young women by offering them support and training across a wide range of businesses and vocations.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, Tunde Mabawonku, the Executive Director for Retail and Digital Business at Wema Bank, stated the alliance would not only promote inclusiveness and connect with the Sustainable Development Goals but would also create genuine work opportunities for the vibrant youth population, resulting in good transformations for individuals, businesses, and families across the country.
“With great pride, we embrace the role of architects in this initiative, igniting a spark that promises to set a journey of growth and progress into motion,” he said.
Ayodele Olojede, Wema Bank’s Divisional Head of Retail and Small and Medium Enterprise, stated that the collaboration would empower female customers by enhancing their skills, unleashing their potential, increasing employability, and ultimately equipping them to become successful entrepreneurs in their own right.
He said, “Through this alliance, 10,000 female business owners who are valued customers of Wema Bank will receive complimentary training from seasoned professionals, courtesy of Pan-Atlantic University’s Entrepreneurial Development Centre.
“Among these, 50 individuals will earn the prestigious opportunity to become certified Business Development Support Providers through SMEDAN. Moreover, in our commitment to nurturing exceptional entrepreneurs, we are pleased to provide some of them with grants and seed funding of up to N500,000 each, enabling them to translate their learning into tangible business success.”
He added, “As pioneers of this transformative capacity-building initiative, we are eager to witness the remarkable positive changes that will emerge from this programme. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to everyone participating both virtually and in person.”
According to Nneka Okekerau, Director of EDC, the training included entrepreneurs in the creative, digital, and agriculture sectors. She stated that in order to achieve positive results, one must modify one’s thinking.
