Emma Sunday
The FirstBank of Nigeria, as part of it’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), has in partnership with Olyrose Care Foundation empowered over 100 women from the South South region.
The women who were trained in various vocational skills were presented with business equipments such as; sewing machines, cooking items (pots, gas cylinders, frying pans, etc.) fully equipped make-up box with ring lights, and hair dressing equipments to support their newly acquired skills and businesses.
Presenting the items to the beneficiaries, Mrs Uchenna Onwudiwe, Group Head, Commercial Banking of FirstBank in South South III, Mrs. Uchenna Onwudiwe, said the initiative was part of activities marking the institution’s 2025 Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Week.
Onwudiwe explained that the initiative was designed to equip the women with practical vocational skills that promotes self-reliance and economic empowerment.
She added that the gesture is a testament of bank’s position as a socially responsible institution dedicated to economic empowerment, sustainable development, and inclusion.
Describing the event as one that celebrates the strength, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit of women in the society, she said, “Today’s event is not just an event, but a reaffirmation of our commitment to empowering women and fostering inclusive growth across Nigeria.
“At FirstBank, we believe that women are central to nation-building. When you empower a woman, you empower a family, a community, and a generation. This belief underpins our deliberate investment in initiatives that enhance women’s access to finance, skills, and opportunities to thrive.
“Through this empowerment programme, we are providing business equipment and tools to support women who aspire to start or strengthen their enterprises. We are here to ignite hope, stimulate growth, and unlock the potential that already exists within every woman present today.”
She explained that the initiative aligns with FirstBank’s flagship women-focused product tagged; “FirstGem,” designed to promote financial inclusion, independence, and literacy among women.
“FirstGem is not just a savings product; it is a lifestyle platform that helps women build wealth, access financial education, and benefit from business advisory and networking opportunities. It is one of the many ways we continue to walk the talk in our commitment to women’s empowerment.
“The theme for this year, “SPARK… A Way of Life,” challenges each of us to start performing acts of random kindness. Today’s empowerment effort is one such act – a collective expression of compassion and commitment to creating lasting change.
“Over the years, our CR&S Week has enabled us to touch lives in orphanages, schools, healthcare centres, and local communities across Nigeria and beyond. We have continued to champion social impact by empowering youth, supporting the vulnerable, protecting our environment, and driving inclusion through targeted interventions such as this.
“As we empower these women today, we are not only giving tools but restoring hope, promoting dignity, and strengthening the economic fabric of our society.”
She advised the beneficiaries to focus on their businesses and ensure it grows to help them and their families. She used the medium to call on all stakeholders, government agencies, community leaders, and corporate partners to continue supporting initiatives that promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.
David Ojukwu, Manager of Olyrose Care Foundation, said the beneficiaries were trained in skills such as; hair dressing, makeup and artistry, catering, fashion and designing, and cosmetics, etc.
He reiterated the foundation’s commitment to lifting people from poverty and making them stand on their own and become entrepreneurs and independent in life. He commended FirstBank for the initiative, noting that their partnership with HolyRose Care Foundation was informed by their determination to impact the society through women empowerment.
“OlyRose Care Foundation was primarily established to alleviate poverty, to make things better for people in our society. And we’ve embarked on programs like this within and outside Rivers State over and over again,” he said.
“This time around, we have looked at River State and we have discovered that there are a lot of things that women can do if they are properly empowered. And that has informed us to partner with First Bank and see how we can help, train and empower all of you here so that we can make life better for you and your households.
He urged the women to make judicious use of the opportunity made available to them. “You have received the training. So, I advise and admonish us to, whatever you have been trained and you are now empowered, that you go into that trade and make life better for yourself and for your family.”
