Stanbic IBTC Empowers 136 Children In latest campaign
Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc has said that it has empowered about 136 children living with a lost limb across Nigeria with millions of naira in its “Together4ALimb” initiative. The initiative though health-related also incorporates economic and educational empowerment elements, that ensure beneficiaries can compete fairly in life.
The company disclosed this during the 10th edition of the Stanbic IBTC Holdings Together4ALimb programme held recently at its headquarters in Lagos.
The Together4ALimb initiative is a partnership between the financial institution and IfeanHealth Orthopaedics. It promises to fulfil the future for children who have lost their limbs.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Demola Sogunle, Chief Executive Officer at Stanbic IBTC Holdings explained that on the one hand, the bank helps the children to feel accepted in society and also fulfil their aspirations by providing prosthetics. He further revealed that Stanbic IBTC also provides educational trust funds to take care of the children’s education right to their University level.
Pledging to the children he said, “You will not be stranded at any point in life. We will be there for you, and we will be willing and ready to assist, even when it comes to jobs, you can come to Stanbic IBTC as interns, as graduates trainees and you can go out there to fulfil your dreams and aspirations.”
Also speaking at the event, Ejike Anih, Founder/CEO of IfeanHealth Orthopaedics said “Whenever a child loses a limb, someone is at home taking care of that child, most times it’s the mother, her life is paused for that period. But when you give that child a leg and that’s what Stanbic IBTC has done with the Together4ALimb programme, the kid goes to school, and then the Mother’s life is back to normal. The economic impact of that family is improved.”
He further said, “What Stanbic IBTC has done today is a milestone when 36 children from 36 states including Fct and 100 children having their limbs replaced now have a life and go back to school and Stanbic IBTC has been the only bank sponsoring this laudable project.”
The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, expressed her delight at the bank’s commitment towards supporting people with physical challenges.
She commended the Board and Management of Stanbic IBTC for their selfless service and consistency over the last 10 years in supporting 136 children with limb challenges. She noted that this project will ultimately make life easier for the children and bring succour to their families.
She said, “It is imperative to know that supporting special children who have experienced limb loss by providing prosthetic limbs and educational trust funds for them will further assist them in realizing their full potential and give them a sense of love, care and support from the society.”
The event began with a workout session which involved top officials of Stanbic IBTC, members of staff, top Lagos state government officials, the German consular, children from across the country and partner organisation.
The participants then embarked on a 5-kilometre walkathon from the Stanbic IBTC Holdings head office to raise awareness about the increasing limb loss amongst children in Nigeria.
Stanbic IBTC Holding said that it remains committed to making the together4ALimb project more impactful in the coming year.
The initiative is an Annual Walk, in which staff, friends, family, and the media walk to raise awareness for people living with limb loss.
