The managing director and chief executive officer of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Yemisi Edun, has presented the Centre for Integrated Health Programs (CIHP), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), with a N50 million grant to help the organisation navigate challenges.
Edun, who presented the cheque to the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Centre for Integrated Health Programs, Dr Bolanle Oyeledun, on behalf of FCMB Holdings, stated that no challenge should stop the centre from operating, as the centre serves a good cause.
She said, “The N50 million is a grant; at FCMB, we are mindful of giving to society. We always donate to high-quality courses when identified in the community; this is part of the bank’s social responsibility. The bank identifies vulnerabilities in the country and sees how they can be supported.
“The good work CIHP is doing has attracted the bank, which is why we stepped in. The organisation should do all it can to keep the girls’ hope alive. This institution is fostering community growth and needs all the support it can get. Through this grant, the bank is making a purposeful impact on people’s lives by helping however it can.
“FCMB came up with how to support this programme. The programme cannot close down for lack of funding; this should be the starting point. We are delighted that these vulnerable girls are coming out stronger and with more confidence”.
Reacting to the grant, Oyeledun said the challenges were enormous, as staff of the organisation started contributing percentages to keep the organisation afloat.
According to her, “Until recently, the organisation had been working with the ministry of education. The centre has been accredited by the National Board of Technical Education under NBTE, so we can actually give certificates to the girls, and we have also been accredited by Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).”
She added that most of the girls are vulnerable, saying, “CIHP works on the damage done to their mental health so that by the time they return to society, they are equipped, more confident, and know how to protect themselves and where to seek help.”
