United Bank for Africa Plc has empowered students from various schools through a Corporate Social Responsibility programme in Onikan.
The programme, tagged ‘Each One Teach One,’ is part of UBA Foundation’s activities, with staff members expected to volunteer their time and skills to teach and assist students and people living with disabilities.
The event had in attendance students from Modupe Cole Memorial Childcare and Treatment Home; Standard Hallmark College, Mushin; Child Life-Line, Lagos and Moyin Rainbow Foundation, Lagos, amongst other schools.
In his opening address, the Executive Director, Lagos and West Bank, Marketing, Mr Ayoku Liadi, expressed his excitement over the initiative, saying the bank decided to give back to the community by impacting knowledge and skills to students and other participants.
Liadi was optimistic that the initiative would expose the participants to proper money management techniques, which would in turn encourage them to start businesses of their own.
He said, “Our goal with this initiative, which is in its second year, is to help the underprivileged and young children learn vocational skills that will assist them along the path to financial freedom as they start businesses of their own. We have, therefore, created a platform to encourage people who have various skills and talents to pass this on to the younger generation.”
He stressed the need for the participants to imbibe saving habits from a tender age.
He said, “At UBA, we want students to inculcate the habit of saving, especially for the rainy day. It is important that you are cautious about the future because nothing is guaranteed.
“Therefore, ensure that you bear this in mind when you receive your pocket money and allowance no matter how little because when you save today, it will go a long way to help you tomorrow.”
The Chief Executive Officer, UBA Foundation, Bola Atta, explained the essence of the bank’s CSR project, saying the project was directed at giving students extra skills to succeed in life.
She said, “At UBA Foundation, we are constantly being asked by other staff members how they can help. A lot of people are genuinely interested in doing good. With the Each One Teach One initiative, you don’t need a huge sum of money, you just need to give of your time and talent to at least one other person. It is simple.
“It is effective and the impact is enormous – imagine how many people across 20 countries in Africa benefitted today from someone just taking a little time to help them acquire new skills or hone old ones. There is something really gratifying about giving back. It helps the communities and helps you grow as an individual.”
