Nigeria’s leading lender First Bank Nigeria Ltd. has launched a new Corporate Social Responsibility project – First Excel Series – to boost youth empowerment in the country.

The excel series which will begin Tuesday February 26 at the University of Lagos, is specifically targeted at youth in federal institutions across the West African nation.

People under 21 make up 60 percent of the Nigerian population. The program is designed to inspire and motivate the group, given the high rate of youth unemployment in the country.

According to AllAfrica, the event will feature renowned motivational speaker and author of the bestselling book “A Set Back is a Set Up for Come Back,” Willie Jolley.” It will also feature exhibitions of First Bank innovative products and services, job fair as well as musical performances and competitions.

Speaking at a press briefing, Head, Marketing and Corporate Communication of First bank, Mrs. Folake Ani-Mumuney, said: “First Bank is the first to introduce this kind of product in the area of youth empowerment as an integral part of its corporate responsibility.”

“At First Bank, our goal is to remain a strong supporter of efforts geared towards equipping the youths with the skills and tools required for socio-economic empowerment through our support of youth engagement initiatives, endowment schemes and infrastructure development. Our desire is to see our strategic and need driven youth empowerment interventions culminate in equipping Nigerian youths for a bright future,” she said.