FirstBank boosts brand equity, moves to support food entrepreneurs
In a move that aims at further enhancing upon its brand profile and equity, First Bank of Nigeria Limited has declared its commitment to promoting the development of Small and Medium Scale Entrepreneurs (SMEs) in Nigeria.
The bank said it would continue to show support towards the entrepreneurs who are engaged in the foods sector of Nigeria’s economy to ensure they survive in the face of the prevailing adverse economic climate in the country.
Chairman of the Bank, Ibukun Awosika who declared the banks position recently said it was critical to support SMEs across critical sectors of the economy such as the fashion industry, foods sector and many others who are struggling to do business.
Awosika, addressing a huge gathering of food dealers and vendors who converged at a food event organised by the bank, emphasised the bank’s initiative targeted at supporting entrepreneurs in foods sector.
She stated that the bank’s focus was on diversifying the economy, adding that agriculture remained a prime option in its considerations.
According to her, “We need the value chain of agriculture and this includes those who are involved in foods sector. When you have 200 million people, food is good business. What we are trying to do is in support of nation building. We are seeking to encourage SMEs in different sectors of the economy.”
“One of the things that the bank was hoping to do was to help create jobs because if you look at it, about 65 per cent of our population are people under 40 and the highest of our employment rate are those between 20 years and 35 years. So, we need to create jobs. As you create more opportunities, you create jobs and grow the economy,” she added.
To participate in the event, she explained that there was a general call for food enterprises which was approved by the bank, adding that the bank had different services to support the SMEs.
Commenting further, Awosika noted: “A lot of businesses that are big today are businesses we support. This kind of event helps you to see the business that needs to be supported. We are able to engage them when we bring them together and know what they actually need.”
One of the food vendors who spoke at the event, Mrs. Biola of Iya Ibadan Foods, said it was her third year of attending the event. She said her firm had the opportunity to showcase some of its menu at the event, adding that customers who came around were able to get her contact for patronage.
Another chef at the event, Ijeno Obeneme, said it provided her the opportunity to network.
“I registered and was allowed and I have enjoyed every bit of it, I want to network more,” she stated.
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