Unity Bank Empowers Young Entrepreneurs

As part of efforts to promote entrepreneurship, Unity Bank Plc has disbursed grant worth N1 million to the three finalists in its ‘Corpreuneurship Challenge.’

Adebayo Abigail emerged as the winner, while Adesina Bolowatife won the second position and Jaja Opuine held on to the third position, respectively.

The winner among the 10 ten finalists who pitched their business plan to a panel of judges at the Lagos State National Youths Service Corp camp (NYSC), Iyana Ipaja was given N500,000 grant whilst second position was offered granted of N300,000 and the third position won N200,000.

The sum was to enable them develop their respective businesses. Speaking at the event, the Group Head Retail and SME Banking, Unity Bank Plc, Funwa Akinmade, said the aim of the initiative was to aid skill acquisition and prepare the NYSC to be entrepreneurs and employers of labour. It is also to enable them cultivate a spirit of self-sustenance, innovation and creativity. According to him, the maiden edition of the competition, which also took place at the NYSC camps at Ogun State, Edo and Abuja, was to create the gateway for many more initiatives to boost the economy. Akinmade added:

“We are not going to merely give these entrepreneurs the funds, but also provide mentorship guidance to ensure they utilise

the grant effectively as we advise them on business transactions. “We are looking to introduce this initiative to all the NYSC camps across the country so as to enhance our reach and empower entrepreneurs.”

On his part, the Lagos State Coordinator, NYSC, Sunday Aroni, said efforts of Unity Bank was going to encourage youths to embrace entrepreneurship considering the fact that white collar jobs were no longer sufficient to cater for rising youth population.