Union Bank of Nigeria has deepened its commitment to entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment through its alpher initiative by sponsoring the second cohort of the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) Women and Youth Entrepreneurship Development Centre (WYEDC) Programme. The initiative, which concluded with a graduation ceremony in Lagos, saw 125 budding entrepreneurs complete intensive training and receive business development support, including funding opportunities.
The NBCC-WYEDC programme, designed to build capacity among Nigerian women and youth, aligns with Union Bank’s vision to empower underserved communities and catalyse economic growth through enterprise development. With small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) contributing nearly 48% to Nigeria’s GDP and accounting for over half of the country’s industrial workforce, supporting such ventures is seen as critical to long-term economic sustainability.
Delivering opening remarks at the event, NBCC Director General Dr. Ebere Njoku reaffirmed the Chamber’s focus on entrepreneurship as a pathway to inclusive development.
“We remain committed to creating platforms that elevate women and young people. Their success is crucial to driving national transformation,” she said, while commending sponsors and facilitators for their dedication to the programme.
The WYEDC initiative stems from the vision of NBCC President and Council Chairman, Mr. Ray Atelly, FRPA, who urged graduates to stay resilient in the face of challenges.
“This is your moment. Obstacles will come, but your dreams must be stronger. If you persist, you’ll someday lead companies that others will admire,” Atelly told the graduates.
Also speaking at the event, NBCC Patron Senator Akin Odunsi, FRPA, congratulated participants and encouraged them to apply their skills and knowledge meaningfully.
“I urge you not to take this opportunity lightly. Be the inspiration others need,” he said, while calling on the Chamber to incorporate internship opportunities for future cohorts to bridge training with real-world business exposure.
Union Bank, represented at the event by its Head of Retail and SME Business, Mrs. Vivian Imoh-Ita, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting entrepreneurship through the alpher initiative. Delivering remarks on behalf of the Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Mrs. Yetunde Oni, Imoh-Ita noted that empowering women and youth is central to the Bank’s strategy.
“When we invest in women and youth, we’re investing in Nigeria’s economic future. Through alpher, we’ve supported many women-led businesses in navigating a complex and evolving business landscape,” she said.
As part of the graduation ceremony, Union Bank hosted a business pitch competition, awarding cash grants to the top three entrepreneurs. Evelyn Ekene Ani of Evani.Ng took the top prize, followed by Martha Padonu of Beyond Photography in second place, and Therietta Vershima of La Teriz in third.
The alpher initiative is Union Bank’s dedicated platform for advancing female-led businesses through financial access, capacity building, and strategic partnerships. The Bank’s continued investment in programmes like NBCC-WYEDC reflects its broader mission to foster a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Nigeria.
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