First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Women have disclosed that they have trained and empowered some underprivileged widows in the production of various household items.
The skills acquisition, entrepreneurial and economic empowerment gesture was part of the bank’s activities to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day last Friday.
It was also in line with the financial institution’s commitment to continually impact lives through the goodwill and support of its female employees who have over the years, sponsored several initiatives for women nationwide.
The FCMB Women intervention was in collaboration with Jakin N.G.O, a renowned organisation that works with vulnerable groups in Africa to overcome economic, educational and health challenges.
The bank explained in a statement that the beneficiaries, 50 widows in all, underwent series of intensive trainings with Jakin N.G.O in making of liquid detergent, air fresheners, insecticides, the use of beads to make various accessories, and headgear tying, among other household items.
In addition, FCMB Women made donations to buy the materials to start the businesses for the 50 widow graduants.
The training was expected to go a long way to provide a platform for the beneficiaries to become entrepreneurs, create employment, generate income while also enhancing their standard of living.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the beneficiaries, FCMB’s Divisional Head, Corporate Services, Felicia Obozuwa, said the gesture was in line with the bank’s corporate social responsibility and the commitment of FCMB women to recognise and support the well-being of the underprivileged in the society.
She added, “beyond celebrating the International Women’s Day, we believe that as a corporate organisation, made up of mothers, wives and sisters, it is necessary to extend the hand of fellowship and love to the underprivileged through empowerment programmes which will help them generate income in a sustainable manner.
“FCMB Women decided to come to the aid of these widows, following the discovery of the difficulties they faced. We were further inspired to support them because despite the difficult situations they experience, they have been resilient and determined to overcome the odds to contribute to economic growth.”
She added that as an institution which recognises that equality, diversity and inclusion are integral to success, FCMB would continue to create opportunities and support initiatives that add value to individuals, businesses and the society.
In her comment, the Founder of Jakin NGO, Mrs. Olubukola Adebiyi, expressed gratitude to FCMB Women for their noble role in alleviating the challenges encountered by the underprivileged in the society.
“We are proud of the various interventions of FCMB Women to make life better for Nigerians. By sponsoring the training of widows and going the extra mile to provide the items they require to start businesses, you have again demonstrated true love and care for the need,” she said.
A beneficiary of the programme, Mrs. Bukky Idowu, who underwent training in soap making expressed gratitude to FCMB Women and Jakin N.G.O for providing her with the opportunity to acquire the skill.
Speaking in the same vein, another beneficiary, Mrs. Caroline Ewurum, had this to say: ‘’My heart is filled with joy, being a beneficiary of this empowerment programme.”
