The Youth-Powered initiative will empower
participants to broaden their outlook on their future plans providing them
access to skills, social capital, and resources needed to realise their
aspirations through training and mentorship. The mentorship program aims to
improve the health and well-being of urban, low-income adolescents, between the
ages of 15 and 19, by increasing voluntary family planning uptake, situating
family planning holistically such that it encompasses: enhancing youths with
life skills for healthy living and future planning; fostering an enabling
social and policy environment for adolescent health and development; and
increasing youth workforce readiness, job opportunities, and entrepreneurship
to address socioeconomic determinants of adolescent health.
In line with the bank’s Corporate
Responsibility and Sustainability efforts, the firm continues to seek
opportunities to give back to our community and the USAID Youth-Powered
Ecosystem program presents the platform to achieve this goal. The organisation
is thrilled with this partnership as it is targeted at young adults with the
aim of ensuring that they are not only equipped with a skill but are also
inspired to prepare for their future.
A representative from DAI stated that “At
DAI we are pleased to collaborate with a reputable organisation like FBNQuest
to provide hope for the future of out-of-school adolescents that USAID through
the Youth-Powered Ecosystem to Advance Urban Adolescent Health Project is
programming for, especially through its livelihood trainings and empowerment.
FBNQuest’s contribution to the skill
acquisition training of a few young ones will see many of them take charge of
their lives by improving their ability to earn a living. We look forward to
such commitments from FBNQuest and other reputable companies so that many more
adolescents would benefit; and thereby improve their immediate well-being and
achieve their long-term goals”.
Commenting on the partnership, Kayode
Akinkugbe, Managing Director/CEO, FBNQuest Merchant Bank stated “We are pleased
to have partnered with USAID on this laudable initiative that will promote and
drive knowledge and skill development. We recognise programs such as these
plays a vital role as a catalyst for growth, and we remain committed to
equipping our youth with the relevant skills needed to excel.
“We will continue to work with reputable
institutions to implement initiatives that will provide access and more
opportunities for young leaders to contribute directly to building the Nigerian
economy.” He added.
FBNQuest Merchant Bank continues to
demonstrate its commitment to delivering people empowerment and financial
literacy programs, through various partnerships such as its collaboration with
EnterpriseNGR on their Youth of Enterprise (YOE) Initiative and Teach for
Nigeria, a non-profit organization committed to developing leaders and
promoting educational development across the nation.