Skye Bank Plc., is committed to empowering women entrepreneurs across various sectors of the Nigerian economy. This position was further reinforced by the bank when it presented certificates of proficiency to three lucky members of the Skye Pearl community who participated in the just -concluded 3-month art of fashion training organised by Ibile Vogue Academy.
The training, which is a give back initiative of Skye Bank and Ibile Vogue Academy, entails both executive and full time classes that teaches students everything about fashion; from pattern drafting, colour sequencing, garment construction to soft business skills; as well as provide linkages to help students develop their own clothing line with the aim of grooming top notch fashionprenuers.
Speaking at the presentation of the certificate, the Head, Retail Banking, Skye Bank Plc., Mrs. Ayodele Olojede, lauded the graduands and thanked everyone who played a significant role in making the dreams of the participants in the training come true. She challenged them to start adding value with the skills they have acquired, so as to stay competitive.
Mrs. Olojede also noted that the initiative was embarked upon as part of the gains of being part of the Skye Pearl community. “This, for us, is both a give-back and value add under our Skye Pearl Initiative beyond just funding which a bank is naturally known for adding that, “our aim is to address the peculiar challenges of the woman, the wife, the mother and the professional with a view to empowering her economically.
Shedding light on the format of the training, the Banker disclosed that the training ran for twelve weeks. The criteria for selection include; be an active Skye Bank account holder; be a member of the pearl community; aged between 20 and 40 years; must have completed or be in a tertiary institution.
Non-account holders and dormant accounts were also encouraged to open new accounts or reactivate dormant accounts to qualify.
On her part, the Director of Studies, Ibile Vogue Academy, Mrs. Temitope Olanre-Alade, applauded the bank for the initiative and particularly for providing the platform (Skye Pearl) that made it possible for her organization to also give back to society. In her words to the graduands: “You owe Skye Bank and Ibile Vogue Academy immensely and therefore you should do everything within your power to make us proud.”
Mrs. Olanre-Alade further admonished the graduands not to see their senior colleagues in the industry as competitors, but rather mentors from whom they could glean further ideas on how to be better at the trade while encouraging them to attend shows, seminars and get mentored. She further admonished: “Don’t just jump into the business, you must intern as there are things to know; things to do and people to be around in order to scale up in the profession.
The three members of the Skye Pearl community who benefited from the training; Toyin Akinpelu, Okunowo Biola and Oyindamola Olukutan, were all delighted and commended the joint efforts of Skye Bank and Vogue Academy for the opportunity to actualize their dreams. All three were presented with certificates of proficiency in pattern drafting, fashion design and garment construction after completing the training course.
One of the graduands, Oyindamola Olukutan, on behalf of her fellow awardees, thanked the bank for the rare opportunity of being trained at no cost. According to her, “It afforded us the opportunity to meet with staff of the Academy who were like a family. The freehand class was mind-blowing and we have learnt to communicate more and better. Thanks to Skye Bank.” She encouraged the bank not to relent in her efforts to add value to the society through initiatives like this, even as she promised to spread the news.
Skye Pearl Initiative is a best in class program which offers women real value-add beyond finance, taking into account the holistic needs and concerns of women in their quest to actualize their potentials either as entrepreneurs, professionals or stay-at-home mums.
The community offers knowledge and networking opportunities, market linkages and access to finance in ways that clearly reflect the attitudinal difference between men and women which are critical dependencies for business success.
*Skye Bank is Nigeria’s leading retail bank with wide-ranging electronic solutions promoting consumer lifestyle and e-commerce experience for its customers.
