Union Bank of Nigeria, through its alpher initiative, has once again demonstrated its strong commitment to empowering women and youth by sponsoring the Cohort 2 of the NBCC Women and Youth Entrepreneurship Development Centre (WYEDC) programme.
This impactful collaboration with the Nigerian British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) saw the graduation of 125 entrepreneurs, equipped with practical skills and business grants to kickstart or scale their ventures.
Empowering Nigeria’s Economic Backbone
With small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) contributing over 48% to Nigeria’s GDP and more than 50% of industrial employment, Union Bank’s involvement in entrepreneurship development aligns with national growth goals. Through alpher, the Bank continues to break barriers for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women-led businesses.
Celebrating Vision and Commitment
At the graduation ceremony, Dr. Ebere Njoku, Director General of NBCC, reaffirmed the Chamber’s dedication to women and youth empowerment as a key driver of sustainable economic development. She expressed deep gratitude to all sponsors and partners, especially Union Bank, for their vital role in transforming lives.
The visionary force behind WYEDC, Mr. Ray Atelly, President and Chairman of Council, NBCC, encouraged graduates to remain resilient:
“This is your chance, make sure you take it… someday you will sit at the top of a conglomerate and people will aspire to be like you.”
Adding to the inspiration, Senator Akin Odunsi, Patron of NBCC, urged the Chamber to introduce internship placements in future cohorts, allowing trainees to apply their knowledge practically and benefit participating organisations.
Union Bank’s Pledge to Entrepreneurs
Representing Mrs. Yetunde Oni, Union Bank CEO, Mrs. Vivian Imoh-Ita, Head of Retail and SME Business, praised the NBCC for its life-changing impact. She stated:
“When we invest in women and youth entrepreneurs, we are investing in the most powerful catalysts of economic transformation.”
Through alpher, Union Bank has consistently provided strategic support to women-led businesses, even in the face of Nigeria’s challenging economic landscape.
Pitch Competition Winners
The highlight of the event was the Union Bank Business Pitch Competition, where three standout entrepreneurs received funding:
Evelyn Ekene Ani (Evani.Ng) – First Place
Martha Padonu (Beyond Photography) – Second Place
Therietta Vershima (La Teriz) – Third Place
This initiative is a clear expression of Union Bank’s drive to build a vibrant, inclusive, and innovative entrepreneurial ecosystem.
About Union Bank Plc:
Established in 1917 and listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 1971, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc. is a household name and one of Nigeria’s long-standing and most respected financial institutions. The Bank is a trusted and recognisable brand with an extensive network of over 300 branches across Nigeria.
The Bank offers various banking services to individual and corporate clients, including current, savings, and deposit account services, funds transfer, foreign currency domiciliation, loans, overdrafts, equipment leasing, and trade finance. The Bank also offers customers convenient electronic banking channels and products, including Online Banking, Mobile Banking, Debit Cards, ATMs, and POS Systems.
More information can be found at: www.unionbankng.com
Media Enquiries:
Favour Ayeni
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