First City Monument Bank Plc (FCMB) in partnership with LEAP (a non-governmental organization) has commenced a business leadership training programme for the bank’s SME customers across the country. This is in furtherance of the bank’s continued commitment to supporting customers in growing their businesses and equipping them with the right skills required to be successful business leaders.

The business leadership programme which is modeled after international best practices started with a three-day training of the bank’s SME customers in Kano in October 2009 and will hold in Abuja and Lagos in November 2009.

About fifty customers of the bank will be trained in these three locations this year. Ogbonnaya George, FCMB’s Head, SME Banking, said the programme will expose business owners to critical skills and tools for effective leadership in business, and gives them the unique opportunity to reflect on their current leadership abilities as well as enhance their leadership and management skills.

The training will also help build a close community of business owners who will encourage and support each other to build successful and sustainable business. “ We believe that we are as good as our customers and are therefore determined and committed to support our SME customers not just in providing basic banking services but more importantly helping them acquire the right skills required to be successful”, Ogbonnaya stated.

The training programme covers such areas like the art and act of leadership, developing personal and organizational mission statements, visioning and goal setting, time management, motivation and coaching for peak performance, succession planning, system planning for sustainability, communications skills, creative skills and negotiation; and is being implemented by LEAP.