The capacity building initiative, which focused on
Information Communication Technology, ICT, maritime transportation and
logistics ecosystem, was hosted by Ocean Ambassadors Foundation to promote the
participation of Indigent Girl-Child in maritime commerce.
Unity Bank partnered the programme as part of the Bank’s
Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives targeted at the education sector
and to draw attention to the imperatives of training the girl-child to
participate actively in the relevant sectors of the economy.
This is coming against the backdrop of the negative impact
of COVID-19 on the education sector which has affected millions of girls across
Nigeria, resulting in “many girls being unable to return to schools and many
others becoming child brides,” according to a recent report by the Economist.
The programme coincided with the International Day of the
Girl-Child which was marked to highlight how “the pandemic has accelerated
digital platforms for learning, earning and connecting, while also highlighting
girls’ diverse digital realities”.
The Managing Director/CEO of Unity Bank Plc, Mrs. Tomi
Somefun represented by the Chief Customer Service Officer, Mrs. Titilayo
Abraham officially opened the event. Commenting on the initiative, she stated
that: “Unity Bank has maintained its commitment to supporting the girl child by
supporting several advocacy initiatives and investing in the education sector.
The National Maritime Quiz is yet another opportunity to
contribute to the movement to encourage, educate and empower the Girl-Child to
participate in the economy while driving access to education.”
“We commend the Ocean Ambassadors Foundation for their
initiatives aimed at bridging the gender gap in the ICT, maritime,
transportation, and logistics sectors in Nigeria.”
Unity Bank has in time past demonstrated commitment to
supporting the education sector, especially for initiatives targeted at
children. One of the Bank’s flagship initiatives – One Minute Genius (OMG) and
others such as Unity Bank Spelling B Competition, One Day CEO, are annual
educational platforms of the Bank aimed at boosting financial literacy among
Nigerian children.
The organisers, Ocean Ambassadors Foundation commended Unity
Bank, adding that “the sensitization for the Girl-Child to take advantage of
career opportunities in the ICT and maritime cannot be over-emphasized.
According to the Group, this also amplifies the “Global
Advocacy of the Sustainable Development Goal’s 4, 5, and 14” stating that
“Gender equality and women empowerment require deliberate transformative
shifts, new technological solutions and integrated approaches”.