By Ali Muhammad Rabiu
No fewer than twelve young entrepreneurs in Kwara State received N89.2 million cheques from the State Government as grants to support their businesses, foster self-reliance and create employment opportunities for the youth.
It was organised by the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) under its Youth Entrepreneurial Empowerment Scheme.
Speaking at the presentation of the cheque to the beneficiaries, the General Manager of KWASSIP, Dr. Wasiu Tejidini, said the government considered it necessary to empower the new starters with viable business ideas to thrive.
Tejidini said the recipients secured the grants on the basis of approval of the state governor who went through their letters of request and details of their business proposals.
He urged them to utilise the funds responsibly to achieve the objectives outlined in their applications.
Tejidini noted that the agency will, in six-month or one-year time, assess the impact of the funds through its monitoring and evaluation unit.
He explained that the state government had equally supported more than 1,000 young people through its Kwapreneur programme .
Tejidini defined the latest intervention by the state government as a broader strategy to encourage entrepreneurship and reduce dependence on government employment.
He commended the Governor’s support for entrepreneurship skill and how his administration continues to invest in infrastructural development, healthcare, security, and education among other sectors.
In a remark on behalf of the beneficiaries, Ajiboye Rasheed and Mohammed Nimotallah Kpayero, appreciated the state government for the financial assistance, describing it as an opportunity to expand their businesses and create jobs.
They said the support will help them acquire more equipment and improve their production capacity by employing more young people to become economically independent.
“We really thank the government. This is an opportunity for us to create jobs for people out there, including fresh graduates. They can easily learn (from us) and get the right business skills to become self-sufficient,” Ajiboye said.
Editing By Godwin Duru
