KWARA STATE GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS 360 YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS 13-12-23
By Sadiq Aminu At least 360 Kwara-based startups owned by young people were today awarded varying amounts of non-interest loans by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
A total of N229,565,000 was disbursed under the initiative to the 360 beneficiaries who said it would help to expand their businesses and create more jobs.
Presenting cheques to the different winners who had earlier pitched their businesses before a panel of judges at the fourth (4.0) edition of Kwapreneur, the Governor said that building a stronger economy requires extending adequate support to small and medium scale businesses.
According to the Governor, the core objective of the initiative is to encourage self-reliance among young people through entrepreneurship and innovation, especially small-scale businesses that are the life wire of any economy.
Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq congratulated the winners for scaling through a rigorous pitching, and urged them to make judicious use of the funds and pay back so that others can benefit.
Some of the star winners included Akingboye Anuoluwapo, who is into Tomato Paste production (N2 million); Sifau Adewoye Mashood, a skincare therapist (N2 million); Bamidele Tinuola Suzan, a Shea-butter producer (N2 million); Peleowo Surura (N1.5m); Saka Shehu Olayinka, local aluminum pot maker (N1.5m); and Saliu Fatimah Adejumoke of Baytu Tejmeel Natural Resources Nigeria Ltd (N1.5m).
In a remark, the acting General Manager KWASSIP, Dr. Wasiu Tejidini said that the programme is having positive impacts in helping to spread prosperity, especially among young people who do not have collateral to access bank facilities.
Dr Tegidini commended the Governor for encouraging the youth to be self-reliant being fully aware of the challenges facing young entrepreneurs in the areas of status and expansion funds.
The event was attended by the Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi Salihu, and some other lawmakers; cabinet members; security chiefs; All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman Prince Sunday Fagbemi; business leaders; artisan groups; and market leaders from across the state.