L-R: David Ubabudike, Head, Business Desk, Silverbird News 24; Ozena Utulu, Head, Brand Management and Sustainability, Heritage Bank; Fela Ibidapo, Divisional Head, Corporate Communications; Uchenna Mike Olisa, Head, Product Development, Heritage Bank, Seun Oyedeji, Silverbird News 24 and Jacob Akinyemi Johnson, Chief Creative Officer/Vice Chairman Editorial Board, Silverbird Communications, during the graduation of the 1st batch of Project Ynspyre graduates, as the bank partners Silverbird Group in Lagos.

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Heritage Bank, Silverbird Group partner on “Project Ynspyre” to empower youths in Nigeria’s creative industry

Per Second NewsMay 26, 2021190

In a bid to deepen its supports for young entrepreneurs in Nigeria’s creative and entertainment industry, Heritage Bank Plc, in partnership with Silverbird Group has introduced “Project Ynspyre”.

Under the programme, graduates are empowered with job and mentorship opportunities at the Silverbird Group.

According to the bank, this is in line with its culture as timeless wealth partners which would impact positively on the nation’s socio-economic development

In a statement made available to Persecondnews, the bank said: “During the first batch of the Ynspyre Project, Heritage Bank and Silverbird graduated five young talented minds in a three months rigorously internship training programme to equip them with the necessary skills for their future engagements.

“Over 3000 people sent their entries, but only five were picked and trained in their different field of choice.

“Amongst the lucky interns are: Derrick Ugwugbu–Reporter/Anchor; Deborah Johnson–Radio Presenter; Oluwasegun Emmanuel Ikoya–Disk Jockey (DJ); Ayomide Solaja–News Presenter and Abayomi Bello–Cinematographer.”

L-R: Certificate recipients of Ynsprye Project- Oluwasegun Ikoya; Deborah Johnson; Ozena Utulu, Head, Brand Management and Sustainability Heritage Bank; Fela Ibidapo, Divisional Head, Corporate Communications; Uchenna Mike Olisa, Head Product Development, Heritage Bank; other recipients- Derrick Ugwuegbu; Ayomide Soloja and Abayomi Bello, during the graduation and Certificate presentation to the 1st batch of Project Ynspyre graduates, as the bank partners Silverbird Group in Lagos.

Speaking during the handover of certificate of completion, the Divisional Head, Corporate Communications of Heritage Bank, Fela Ibidapo, said “as a forward looking financial institution, its strength lays in the ability to spot and mould talents into great professionals.”

He noted that the Ynspyre Project was established to train, nurture and arm young employees with the right skills needed to fast-track development and enable talents to flourish.

He further explained that the aim of Heritage Bank being at the forefront of youth empowerment, is to emancipate the latent entrepreneurial spirit in the teeming youths to unleash their contributions on the growth of the economy.

He urged prospective interns who have interest in participating in the Ynsprye Project to dial *745# to open a savings account with the chance to be amongst the next set of interns, whilst staying tune to Heritage Bank’s platform and Silverbird Television.

Also speaking, the Head, Product Development, Heritage Bank, Uchenna Mike Olisa, who admonished the trained entertainers to make good use of their acquired skills, affirmed that the platform would enable young creative minds to be more imbued with the requisite talents.

On his part, the Head, Silverbird Television, Mike Nwadike, said lots of resources had gone into the training with series of creative sessions, strategy sessions, brainstorming meetings and re-evaluation, aimed at ensuring that the participants are grounded in their respective skills.