Fidelity Bank, Empretec train 300 youth

Fidelity Bank Plc, and the Empretec Nigerian Foundation have started a graduate entrepreneurship training for 300 youth in Abuja. The raining part of the bank’s entrepreneurship support intervention for state governments and Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the programme, the bank’s Managing Director, Mr Nnamdi Okonkwo said six day training is designed to assist young entrepreneurs build capacity to survive in today’s business world.

The bank said it has done similar programmes in Lagos state and Calabar in Cross River state.

Okonkwo who was represented by the Group Head, Specialised SME, Mr Ndubuisi Onuoha, said, “Studies show that only 20 per cent MSMEs survive beyond their fifth year of operation. The programme will build stronger and well informed entrepreneurs who have unparalleled management skills and can obtain and manage funds efficiently if needed.

“The Bank, through a meticulous selection process has identified young and budding entrepreneurs with great prospects of becoming the next ‘Dangote’,” he noted.

Empretec which is a flagship capacity-building programme of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), is expected to promote entrepreneurship and MSMEs for sustainable development and inclusive growth.

Head of Business and Strategy for the Foundation, Mr Bright Osakwe was grateful for the bank’s intervention. He said the foundation has trained about 3,000 Nigerians and intends to step it up shortly.

Fidelity Bank’s Head, Abuja II, Mr Halilu Malabu urged participants advised selected participants to repay the Bank’s faith in them by building successful businesses.