Citibank get UNHCR’s commendation over community support

The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has commended Citi Nigeria, as the bank honours its 18 community partners.
Citi recently hosted its Community Partners during which cheques were also presented in Lagos to honour the financial institution’s 18 Community Partners.

Citi explained that its Community Partners are the backbone of supporting those who are at a disadvantage in society without expecting anything in return, and the event “s Citi’s way of saying thank you”

Mr. Bamba Boubacar, the UNHCR Assistant Country Representative thanked Citi for their support.

“With this donation, Citibank Nigeria has added a push to efforts aimed at assisting IDPs and returnees. We wish to assure you that this donation will be used judiciously and accountably for the sole purpose for which it is meant, supporting people in dire need” Boubacar said.

Attendees at the Lagos event are, the SOS Children’s Village, Down Syndrome Association of Nigeria and Atunda Olu School (For Physically Handicapped Children).

They also include, Bethesda Child Support Agency, The Book Trust Wesley School 1 and 2 for the deaf, and the Pacelli School for the blind.

The Care Organization Public Enlightenment (COPE), Sickle Cell Foundation, Heart of Gold Children’s Hospice, Nigerian Red Cross Society and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), were also in attendance at the event.

Mrs. Ebunola Anozie President/CEO of Care Organization Public Enlightenment (C.O.P E.) also expressed her gratitude to Citi for their continued support “I am sure when we all get that alert, we are always very excited. I take care of Breast Cancer patients and I know what it does for them; I know each kobo counts…”

Citi’s Value Proposition is a Mission of Enabling Growth and Progress through its business and community investments made in the communities Citi operates in, through Citi’s Community Partners who collaborate with Citi to bring about positive social impact in those communities.

Citi is dedicated to supporting and empowering young people across the world, and through the Citi Foundation has helped young people to tackle barriers to employment and personal development.

In February 2017 the Citi Foundation commissioned the Pathways to Progress Global youth Survey with Ipsos to build on existing research and further gauge the economic prospects and pursuits of youth Chinese Investment in Nigeria: A Win-Win Partnership with Citi around the world and understand more fully how they should best approach supporting young people.

A total of 45 global cities in 32 countries were surveyed and Nigeria was included. According to the report, 95% of young people surveyed in Lagos said they dream of starting their own business.

To meet this demand the Citi Foundation expanded their Pathways to Progress initiative globally with a $100million commitment to support 500,000 young people over the next three years to develop the critical skills needed to access their first job, and start and grow their own businesses.

“It’s not just about teaching young people how to get and keep a job, it’s about shifting their mind-sets and nurturing their entrepreneurial spirit to enable them to realise their potential.

To recognize that there are opportunities out there they can make for themselves, to empower them to test out ideas, and that it’s ok to fail” commented Akin Dawodu, CEO Citibank Nigeria.

Bonny Amadi