Lagos – The Centre for Values and Leadership (CVL) and Citi Foundation on Wednesday in Lagos presented business start-up kits to 100 youths in the Ajegunle area of Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the start-up kits, which include basic tools like hair dryers, baking equipment, among others, were presented to the youths after a year mentorship apprentice programme.
The mentorship apprentice programme is tagged: Youth Entrepreneurs Training Programme (YETP).
The CVL is founded by a former presidential candidate and economist, Prof. Pat Utomi.
Utomi said that the aim of the programme was to empower young people with business skills to reduce Nigeria’s unemployment rate by 65 per cent.
“This is the maiden edition of the YETP programme.
“Ajegunle is a sensitive area, where we have lots of youths doing practically nothing, yet most of the notable musicians, footballers and entrepreneurs we have today come from Ajegunle.
“The 100 graduands were trained in various business ventures from online marketing, fish farming, make up and fashion designing, bakery and catering, automobile repairs and servicing, bead making, hair dressing, among others.
“During the one-year programme, they were not only trained in these skills but also trained on managerial skills, corporate governance, record and book keeping and all it takes to begin and run a small business and expand with time,” he said.
Utomi lauded the sponsors and supporters of the programme for their efforts to empower more youths to reduce unemployment and crime rates.
Mr Waheed Olagunju, Managing Director, Bank of Industry (BOI) assured the graduates of maximum support in the build-up of their businesses.
“The CVL is one of our Business Development Support Providers (BDSP) so we are fully in support of the efforts to empower Ajegunle youths.
“We assure you that we shall provide the necessary support for you to build and expand your businesses, as you have been armed with the tools and basic knowledge needed to start up your new businesses,” Olagunju said.
He urged the graduates to keep appropriate records, prepare a bankable business plan, and show a level of corporate governance in managing their businesses.
He said these were the major requirements in accessing loans for expansion.
Olagunju was represented by Mr Marvel Osa, Lagos Regional Head, BOI.
Mrs Olabisi Boco, a Director in the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, Lagos State, urged the youths to apply for the N25 billion loan created by Gov Akinwunmi Ambode for the expansion of their businesses.
Boco also urged the graduates to put all they had been empowered with to good use. (NAN)
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