The International Women Society (IWS) Skills Acquisition Centre in Lekki, Lagos, has bestowed the esteemed ‘Providers & Enablers’ Award upon Polaris Bank. The award is a testament to the bank’s exceptional dedication and significant contributions to women empowerment, particularly in the realms of vocational training, skills development, and capacity building, as undertaken by the IWS.
The prestigious award was presented during a special graduation ceremony held on July 27, 2023, at the IWS Skills Centre in Lekki, Lagos. The IWS Centre, renowned for its tireless efforts in uplifting women in the community, showcased a compelling video presentation highlighting the transformative impact of the collaboration between the Centre and Polaris Bank. Through their joint skill-building programs, women from diverse backgrounds have been empowered to pursue their passions, unlock their potential, and become self-reliant contributors to society.
Mr. Kehinde Akinwunmi, the Principal of the IWS Skills Acquisition Centre, Lekki, delivered an impassioned speech expressing profound gratitude to Polaris Bank for their unwavering support in nurturing the dreams and aspirations of countless women. He highlighted the pivotal role played by the bank in providing financial resources and scholarships for 21 students, enabling the Centre to expand its reach and positively impact even more women’s lives.
In response to the recognition, Mrs. Yemi Akinrelere, Polaris Bank’s Head of Sustainability, graciously received the award on behalf of the bank. She reaffirmed Polaris Bank’s commitment to advancing gender equality and promoting women’s empowerment, aligning with principle 4 of the Nigerian Sustainable Banking Principle and as a cornerstone of the bank’s Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.
“At Polaris Bank, we believe that empowering women is not just a moral imperative, but an essential driver of social progress and economic growth. We are honoured to partner with the International Women Society Skills Acquisition Centre in their noble mission, and we remain committed to supporting women’s advancement and fostering an inclusive and equitable society.”
The collaboration between Polaris Bank and the IWS Skills Acquisition Centre continues to serve as a shining example of how public-private partnerships can catalyze positive change and uplift entire communities. By equipping women with the necessary skills and knowledge, both institutions have empowered many women – young and the not-too-old to seize new opportunities, break barriers, and become agents of change in their respective fields.
One of the landmark contributions of Polaris Bank to the IWS Skills Acquisition Centre was the donation of a multi-million-naira ICT Laboratory for digital and ICT-related capacity building for students of the Centre, amongst other supports.
