By Kehinde Ibrahim, Lagos
FIRST City Monument Bank, FCMB, Holdings has donated a N50 million grant to the Centre for Integrated Health Programs, CIHP, to strengthen the organisation’s operations and ensure the continuity of its programmes aimed at supporting vulnerable girls across the country.
The financial support, presented by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FCMB, Yemisi Edun, underscored the group’s commitment to social impact and community development. She said the intervention was designed to help the non-governmental organisation sustain its critical work despite funding challenges and expand its efforts in restoring hope and opportunities for disadvantaged young girls.
Presenting the cheque to the Chief Executive Officer of CIHP, Dr. Bolanle Oyeledun, Edun said the grant reflected FCMB’s longstanding commitment to supporting impactful initiatives that address societal challenges and improve the lives of vulnerable groups.
She noted that the bank prioritises investments in credible organisations that deliver measurable social impact, stressing that CIHP’s work in rehabilitating and empowering vulnerable girls aligns with the institution’s corporate social responsibility objectives.
“The N50 million is a grant. At FCMB, we are committed to giving back to society by supporting worthy causes that create lasting value for communities. We identify areas of vulnerability and partner with organisations that are making meaningful interventions,” she said.
Edun commended CIHP for its dedication to transforming the lives of vulnerable girls through education, rehabilitation and psychosocial support, adding that the organisation’s impact inspired the bank’s decision to provide financial assistance.
She stressed that funding constraints should not hinder the organisation’s mission, noting that the grant would enable it to continue delivering essential services while expanding its reach.
“The remarkable work CIHP is doing attracted our support. The organisation should continue giving these girls hope and helping them rebuild their confidence. This institution is contributing significantly to community development and deserves every support it can receive.
“This intervention is our way of making a purposeful impact on people’s lives. We believe this programme should not be interrupted because of inadequate funding. Rather, this support should serve as a foundation for greater achievements,” Edun added.
The Chief Executive Officer of CIHP, Dr. Bolanle Oyeledun, expressed appreciation to FCMB Holdings for the timely intervention, describing the grant as a significant boost to the organisation’s sustainability efforts.
She disclosed that the organisation had faced severe financial pressures in recent months, forcing members of staff to contribute portions of their salaries to sustain operations and ensure that critical programmes continued uninterrupted.
According to Oyeledun, CIHP has strengthened its capacity by securing accreditation from the National Board for Technical Education, NBTE, enabling it to award recognised certificates to beneficiaries who complete its vocational training programmes.
She added that the organisation has also been accredited under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training, TVET, framework, a development that enhances the quality and recognition of its skills acquisition initiatives.
Oyeledun explained that beyond vocational training, the organisation focuses on addressing the psychological and emotional trauma experienced by many of the girls under its care.
“Most of the girls we support are highly vulnerable. We work extensively on restoring their mental well-being so that when they reintegrate into society, they are more confident, equipped with practical skills, and understand how to protect themselves as well as where to seek help whenever necessary,” she said.
She noted that the support from FCMB Holdings would enable CIHP to strengthen its rehabilitation programmes, expand skills development opportunities and continue empowering vulnerable girls to become self-reliant and productive members of society.
