In a bid to support the entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerian youths, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship has awarded grants totaling N100 million to 200 young individuals across the nation. The grants were distributed as part of the Unlock Training Programme initiative, aimed at boosting the businesses and vocational endeavors of the recipients.
Out of the 200 beneficiaries, 120 newcomers were awarded N500,000 each for their outstanding Business Plans, while the remaining 80 individuals, who were already engaged in businesses but needed financial assistance, also received the same amount to support their ventures.
The Unlock Training Programme was the result of a six-week campaign initiated by the office of the presidential aide, where youths were required to submit a one-minute video showcasing their Technical, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship (TVET) skills, along with their future plans in these areas and how they envisioned government support in achieving their goals.
During the graduation and grant presentation ceremony in Abuja, the presidential aide, Abiola Arogundade, emphasized the importance of the programme in enhancing the economic development potential of the participants. She highlighted the intensive training sessions conducted for about 10,000 participants, focusing on writing and executing Business Plans, financial management, and risk assessment.
Arogundade also announced the provision of Solar Kiosks to support the business development of the winners, in addition to issuing incorporation certificates and disbursing the grant funds through the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and Providus Bank.
The Minister of State for Education, Yusuf Sununu, commended the initiative, emphasizing the importance of technical education in building skills for self-reliance, especially in a time when white-collar jobs are diminishing. He reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing skills and empowering youths for a brighter future.
Overall, the grant distribution and training programme underscore the government’s dedication to promoting entrepreneurship and vocational skills among Nigerian youths, paving the way for economic growth and self-sufficiency.