New Lease of Life for Physically Challenged Maths Teacher
Mary Ovie Mary Ovie reports that at the recently held Fidelity Bank 2019 Year End Party, it was a new lease of life for a physically challenged Maths teacher, Michael Sowunmi, who was given employment by the bank, just as it drew attention to its youth em
Fidelity Bank Plc has brought succor to physically challenged Chemical Engineering graduate, Mr. Micheal Sowunmi, who is fondly referred to as “the world’s greatest teacher” on account of his love for teaching.
Mr. Sowunmi has been offered employment by top lender Fidelity Bank as a facilitator at the bank’s training academy known as CREST Academy. This much was revealed by the bank’s CEO Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo during the bank’s 2019-Year End/Customer Appreciation Party which took place at the weekend in Lagos.
Okonkwo said the move was consistent with the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy aimed specifically at uplifting the less privileged members of society.
He spoke against the backdrop of the theme of the party ‘Give them wings’ which he said was was crafted to underscore the bank’s CSR initiatives and interventions.
“We saw his video on YouTube and we were moved by his courage, determination to give back in spite of his physical condition. Consequently we unanimously decided at EXCO to come to his aid with the offer of employment and provision of a car for ease of mobility. He went on to say that Sowunmi’s case is not an isolated one. “We have indeed demonstrated our passion for lifting people several ways as you have seen tonight with the case of Tim Godfrey and DJ Slim V and the Fidelity Youth Empowerment Academy”, he explained. Before he was called up to mount the stage, his video tagged the ‘World’s Greatest Teacher’ was played showing the difficulties he faced in navigating his way to and fro from school just to teach. What stood out for many in the hall of his Eko disability, Hotel and but Suites his resilience was not and just disposition towards it. He radiated a peaceful and cheerful mien. Thus, when he was callead up stage, he was met with a thunderous applause. Walking to the stage proudly in his dapper suit, alongside his mother, he succinctly commended the bank, adding that “they are not just a bank, they are a bank with integrity”, a statement that was met with another loud applause from the teeming customers. Fidelity Bank is also committed to empowering the youth of Nigeria this leading to the establishment of an empowerment initiative known as the Fidelity Youth Empowerment Academy. Some beneficiaries of the initiative that had been in existence for the last four years were recognised and showcased by the bank during the party.
Whilst giving insights to the youth empowerment academy, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Ernest Ebi, described YEA as a veritable platform to make beneficiaries financially independent and self-reliant.
“Fidelity Bank is making the youths turn their passion into a pay cheque through empowerment programmes which includes vocational training in fashion, make-up, coding, catering and more” he said. Ebi said the programme seeks to empower Nigerian undergraduates with vocational skills and enterprise training which are relevant for self-reliance. Over 2000 students have benefited from YEA programs at University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Waziri Umar Federal Polytechnic, Birnin-Kebbi; Federal Polytechnic Oko; Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, and Bayero University, Kano. Some beneficiaries who have since started their own businesses were recognized at the event.
On Tim Godfrey, Okonkwo said the bank is fully supportive of him in spite of the fact that he does not play secular music, just as it has thrown its weight behind DJ Slim V who was discovered from a chance encounter at somewhere in the eastern part of the country.
“Today, we have given them a platform this big to perform and showcase their craft to the admiration of all. We urge you to patronize them so they can grow. These energies they are displaying could have been channeled to negative vices” he stated.
The annual event which lasted to the wee hours of Friday last week had in attendance key stakeholders, customers and prospects including public office holders, traditional rulers, regulators and policy makers. KCee of Five Star Music, Niniola, Timaya and Flavour performed at the party whilst comedians, Bovi and Larry J thrilled with rib cracking jokes.
Some of the dignitaries at the event were Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat; Minister for Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; Alhaji Nasiru YusufGawuna, Deputy Governor of Kano State; Mr. Ernest Ndukwe, Chairman MTN Nigeria, among others.