Wema Bank says it will train and empower 100,000 youths and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Ekiti. Tunde Mabawonku, the bank's Executive Director of Retail and Digital Business, in a statement on Thursday, in Ado-Ekiti, said the training would be in partnership with Ekiti Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment. Mabawonku said the training, tagged, ' Ekiti-Wema MSME Empowerment Programme', was launched on Aug. 5. He said under the programme, youth and MSMEs operating in the state would be trained in business management, digital empowerment and finance management skills. Mabawonku said the programme was strategically designed to help the youth in the state to maximise their potential, while equipping businesses for sustainable growth and productivity, toward boosting macroeconomic conditions. 'The Ekiti-Wema MSME Empowerment Programme is set to be executed through virtual and physical training sessions, cutting across business management, digitalisation, and financial management. 'Addi tionally, it will provide access to mentorship support from experienced and successful entrepreneurs from within and outside Nigeria. 'Participants will also receive a certificate of participation upon completion of their training course. 'Beyond the training, participants will also gain access to the market and assistance in securing finances to put their learnings to practice and scale their operations. 'This comprehensive approach will ensure that the programme will not only enhance the capabilities of youth and MSMEs in the state but also facilitate their sustained growth and contribution to the economic development,' he said. Mabawonku, who urged the youth to embrace the initiative, said that the bank was committed to the growth and development of Nigerians. The director pledged the bank's commitment to collaborating, sharing resources, and developing solutions that address the needs of people and ultimately empower them to thrive. 'Our robust portfolio attests to this deep-rooted commitment and wi th the Ekiti-Wema MSME Empowerment Programme, we are extending the reach of our positive impact, positively enhancing the lives and businesses of the people in the state. 'We are empowering them with the skills, knowledge, and expertise needed to thrive in today's competitive market. 'Our approach is granular yet comprehensive, bringing tailored solutions for growth to the youth and businesses of Ekiti State right within their vicinity. 'We hope that through this initiative, the state will become a hub of productivity and economic buoyance. 'And the domino effect of this economic boost will translate on the national scale, improving our nation's macroeconomic indicators for the best,' Mabawonku said. Also, Mr Kayode Fasae, the state's Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, said that the partnership with the bank was to implement a two-pronged approach of wealth creation and employment generation for skill development and finance. 'Wema Bank has been extremely supportive in working with the Eki ti State Government for the success of our people. 'We reiterate our unwavering commitment to maximise the deliverables of this Programme to serve as a veritable intervention platform for skill development and panacea for employment and wealth creation,' he said. Source : News Agency of Nigeria