At Fidelity SME Hub, Youth Minister, Olawande, calls for more private sector interventions

The Minister for Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande attended the official launch of the Fidelity SME Hub in Lagos, with a charge to private sector stakeholders to collaborate with government entities to deliver enduring impacts.

The Minister, while giving his remarks highlighted the numerous initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund, Nigerian Youth Academy, and the Youth Bank project; while commending Fidelity Bank for building an edifice that complements these initiatives, ensuring that Nigerian youth have access to modern facilities that encourage the desire to learn.

Olawande noted that SMEs are the backbone of any nation’s economy, contributing significantly to job creation and economic growth.

He emphasized that projects like the Fidelity SME Hub are a testament to the critical role private sector partnerships play in driving youth empowerment, SME growth, and national development.

“What Fidelity Bank is doing here reflects a commitment to providing young Nigerians with the skills, resources, and opportunities needed to transform their business ambitions into great and profitable ventures,” he stated.

The Minister also mentioned that the hub serves as an additional incentive to young business owners and start-ups, offering critical support in business development, capacity building, and networking.

While recognizing the significant contribution of Fidelity Bank in building strong SMEs and supporting young entrepreneurs across the country, Olawande charged other private sector stakeholders to support programs that empower Nigerian youth and enhance SME growth in the country.

The CEO of Fidelity Bank, Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe appreciated the Minister for honoring the Bank’s invitation. She disclosed that Fidelity Bank has always supported young creatives and will continue to do that as part of the Corporate Social Responsibility of the financial institution

The state-of-the-art facility is home to the fidelity SME Academy, work station, training rooms, creative studios for content creators, podcasts, and photography. The facility will also provide business advisory/consulting, access to funding, and tech support to young Nigerians.