First Bank of Nigeria Limited and Rotary International District 9111 have distributed vocational start-up kits worth ₦45 million to 140 vetted entrepreneurs across Lagos and Ogun states. The initiative aims to cushion economic pressures, foster financial inclusion, and accelerate grassroots growth among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The distributed toolkits included sewing machines, grinding machines, hair dryers, make-up kits, mechanics’ toolboxes, industrial mixers, and gas cylinders, everything required to immediately launch or scale an artisanal trade.
Speaking at the Lagos event, Musiliu Olokodana, FirstBank’s Acting Head of Retail Business (SME Banking), emphasised that the bank’s support extends far beyond the physical equipment. Olokodana promised that beneficiaries will receive ongoing access to customised loans, business advisory services, and digital banking platforms to ensure their ventures scale. He also urged recipients to treat the gear as long-term business capital rather than assets for quick cash resale.
Over the last five years, this partnership has supplied vocational tools to more than 400 artisans.
Rotary District 9111 Governor Henry Akinyele described the tools as seeds capable of reducing poverty and generating employment if managed effectively. To prevent the equipment from being sold off, Rotary District Governor-Elect Bukola Bakare revealed that a strict one-year post-distribution monitoring framework has been established. This safety net features structured follow-ups and unannounced field visits across the 85 participating Rotary clubs and trade associations.
Olaide Oladunjoye, representing the Lagos State Agency for Mass Education, commended the alliance, stating that the project directly mirrors the state’s strategic blueprint for self-reliance, skills acquisition, and community development. Beneficiaries, including Runsewe Oluwatobiloba and Dennis Umukoro, thanked both institutions, labeling the timely distribution a life-changing catalyst for their business goals.
