As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives,Union Bankhas announced the launch of the We Lead Mentorship Project (WLMP),an 8-month youth mentorship programme,in Igbodo, Delta State,.
Sponsored by Union Bank and implementedbyRural Development and Reformation Foundation (RUDERF) in conjunction with theIgbodo Development Union (IDU), WLMP is a community based mentorship program that utilizes local human resources and trained mentors to build and strengthen community youths using a structured curriculum.
The project isdesigned to address societal issues ranging from illegal migration to violence, extremism and other vices. Another key part of the project is the establishment of a book club in the community to encourage a reading culture among Igbodo youths. At the end of the extensive project, the participants are expected to have benefitted from mentorship, economic empowerment and leadership development opportunities.
Speaking at the official launch of the project to an audience that included His Royal Majesty, Ikechukwu N. Osedume, the Obi of Igbodo Kingdom among other dignitaries, Union Bank’s Head of Transformation, Joe Mbulu stated the need to harness the power of community-based mentors to raise young and purposeful leaders for global impact. He added:
“Union Bank remains deeply committed to improving the lives of the youth of Nigeria. This is why we are investing in education, financial inclusionand talent development,all of which are important pillars of our Corporate Social Responsibility strategy. We believe that the We Lead Mentorship programme and others such as this that we are investing in, will go a long way in making the lives of the youths in our communities better as they strive for a brighter future.”
According to a statement by RUDERF,
“The goal of the project is to enlighten and groom young people from Igbodo community to shun the appeal of illegal migration and channel their talents and focus towards self-development for leadership through mentorship and orientation initiatives specially designed to reduce the prevalent trend in several Nigerian communities.”
In 2017, Union Bank participated in the Igbodo Youth Leadership Summit (IYLS), a one-day eventorganised toshowcaselocal empowerment opportunities available to young people, while educating them on the dangers of illegal migration; a major trend in several Nigerian communities.The summitexposed thecritical need for a more comprehensive plan that would create lasting impact in the community which prompted the bank’s decision to do more.
Union Bank’s sponsorship of WLMP underscores itscommitment to Nigerians.The bank recently released its second Citizenship, Sustainability and Innovation Report, an annual compendium which highlights its strategic approach, initiatives and impact made in the areas of Citizenship, Sustainability and Innovation in the past year.
Last year, as Union Bank celebrated a century of trusted service and rich heritage, it reiterated its focus on maintaining its leading position as a socially driven and responsible corporate organisation.