The Kogi State Government has flagged off the Kogi Youth Entrepreneurship and Business Grant Programme, with the state’s Executive Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to empowering young people to become entrepreneurs and job creators.
The Governor, who was represented at the Lokoja event by the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State (SGS), Mrs. Folashade Ayoade Arike, said the initiative reflected his administration’s determination to invest in the productive capacity of Kogi youths.
Speaking on behalf of the Governor, Mrs. Ayoade urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the grants, stressing that the intervention should be seen as an opportunity to build sustainable businesses rather than merely receive financial assistance. She said beneficiaries must demonstrate commitment and responsibility in using the resources provided to them.
“Please and please make use of these grants. You were lucky to have somebody to say thank you and to help you. Please make good use of it,” she charged.
The SGS also encouraged the young entrepreneurs not to be discouraged by the size of their businesses or their present circumstances, noting that successful enterprises often begin from humble beginnings. She reminded them that their starting point does not determine their destination, but that passion, commitment and determination can shape their future.
“Where you’re starting does not matter. It is where God is taking you to,” Mrs. Ayoade said, urging the beneficiaries to remain focused and committed to their dreams.
She further directed the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to establish effective follow-up and monitoring mechanisms for the beneficiaries, insisting that government’s responsibility should not end with the presentation of grants.
“Don’t just give these grants and close your eyes. Follow up on what they have achieved and encourage them,” she charged.
Earlier at the event, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Monday Aridojo Anyebe, described the programme as more than a grant scheme, saying it was an investment in the human capacity and economic future of Kogi State.
He said young Kogites were already demonstrating creativity in agriculture, fashion, technology, food businesses and other sectors, but needed an enabling environment to transform their ideas into visible and viable enterprises.
Anyebe stressed that the programme would equip participants with knowledge in business development, financial management, marketing, customer acquisition and responsible use of capital.
“A successful business does not merely sell a product; it solves a problem,” he said, challenging beneficiaries to identify problems they could solve through their businesses and build enterprises capable of surviving beyond the initial funding.
He urged beneficiaries to use the support wisely, apply the knowledge gained, and embrace mentorship, adding that the ultimate objective was to create entrepreneurs and employers capable of contributing to Kogi’s economic growth.
“An idea can change a life. A business can change a family. An entrepreneur can change a community. And a generation of empowered young entrepreneurs can change an entire state,” he declared.
