BY NGOZI ONYEAKUSI

In its determination to produce the next generation of young designers who will go on to capture the imagination of the world in fashion, Polaris Bank partnered, with Amtis Skills Place, a body dedicated to producing contemporary vocational skills to young Nigerians to identify, train and mentor young designers through the 2024 Amtis Fashion Competition.
Since its inception in 2015, Amtis Skills Place has been committed to equipping young Nigerians with vocational skills, bridging the gap between traditional education and the evolving job market.
This year’s event, proudly sponsored by Polaris Bank brought together emerging designers aged 18 to 35 gathered to design garments inspired by vintage styles. Teams include; fashion designers, makeup artists, and models working collaboratively. Participants were judged on creativity, craftsmanship, teamwork, and adherence to the vintage theme, celebrating classic fashion eras; while empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs.
The competition, organized by Amtis Skills Place, culminated in an awards ceremony where three finalists emerged as winners. Wuraola Robert clinched the top prize of ₦500,000, while the second and third-place winners were awarded ₦300,000 and ₦200,000, respectively.
In an address to the participants delivered on behalf of Polaris Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Kayode Lawal remarked: “Polaris Bank ensures that you achieve your dreams in the right perspective, which is why we partnered with Amtis Vintage Fashion. We can assure you that there will be bigger things in the coming year: a more expanded event, more content, more giveaways, and greater empowerment for the business sector.”
The Managing Director of Amtis Skills Place, Omotunde Adebusola, commended Polaris Bank for their pivotal role in supporting entrepreneurship in the country especially, the competition saying: “We are deeply grateful to Polaris Bank for believing in our vision to nurture young talents. Their partnership made this year’s event a resounding success, and we look forward to even greater collaborations in the future.”
The overall winner, Wuraola Robert, expressed her gratitude after receiving the grand prize saying: “I am overwhelmed with joy and gratitude to Polaris Bank for this incredible opportunity. This competition has transformed my career, and I’m excited to invest this prize into growing my brand.”
The Amtis Vintage Fashion Competition exemplifies the mission of Polaris Bank and Amtis Skills Place by empowering participants to translate their creativity into viable careers.
Polaris Bank was adjudged Nigeria’s Best Bank for MSMEs of the Year in Business Day’s Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards & Nigeria’s Best Bank in MSME Lending in the maiden MSME Awards organized by Nairametrics & The Economic Forum.