Biodun Esan, Ilorin
Kwara State Government has supported 100 youths in the with N100 million to support their businesses.
The governor, who announced this on Friday at an event to mark the 2022 International Youth Day in Ilorin, said youth inclusion and productive engagement are key to sustainable future.À
The N1 million grant is funded through Kwapreneur 2.0, a programme specifically designed to support businesses owned by young people through the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP).
Last year, the scheme gave at least 170 young people an interest-free loan ranging from N250,000 to N3 million.
AbdulRazaq said that the future of young people is very important and urgent in sub-Saharan Africa because up to 70 pet cent of the population are below the age of 30.
The Governor said the country must seize every opportunity to engage its growing young population.
“This is an opportunity for growth and prosperity. But it could also be a threat to stability, peace, and security on the continent if not managed.
“This is why we must not lose the conversation around inclusion, growth, quality engagement and empowerment of young people.
“For this reason, I align myself with the theme of this gathering, which is: “Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating A World for All Ages’.
“Our administration has a reputation for listening to, engaging, and empowering young people in very practical terms.
Many of our projects, programmes, and policy direction have been conceived to benefit especially young people.
“The innovation hub, visual arts centre, film factory, garment factory, the huge investments in tech-driven basic education, and road projects linking farmlands to city centres are good examples of this.
“Today’s launch of Kwapreneur 2.0 is another example. No fewer than 100 young people will get a grant of One Million Naira each to support their businesses,” he said
The governor that ot will also keep them away from violent crimes and protect them from predatory politics.
“It is another way of strengthening small and medium scale businesses with multiplying effects on the local economy, and living standards of the people.
“Kwapreneur 1.0 has been a huge success, with at least 75 pet cent of recipient businesses thriving and expanding.
“The repayment rate of roughly 50 per cent is also encouraging and can be better.
“I urge all the beneficiaries of Kwapreneur 2.0 to make judicious use of it,” AbdulRazaq added.
KWASSIP’s chief AbdulQuawiy Olododo said beneficiaries were drawn from a pool of those who had applied for Kwapreneur 1.0 and nominations from artisan groups, community organisations, and youth groups, among others.
Debating the theme of the event, panelists took turns to commend the government for supporting businesses owned by young people.
They urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the funds, and to remain committed to their dreams.
The event was attended by government officials, prominent youth leaders, and community leaders from across the country l.
They include Deputy Chief Whip Kwara House of Assembly Ali Jimoh; APC National Youth Leader Dayo Israel; and Kwara APC chairman Prince Sunday Fagbemi.
Others at the event were APC House of Rep candidate for Ilorin West/Asa, Mukhtar Shagaya; APC chieftain Yahya Seriki; a leader of thought Lawal Olohungbebe and APC chieftain Rinsola Abiola.
They also include founder of the popular Ilorin Item 7 restaurant, Ibigbemi Oloruntobi; National Youth Council Chairman (Kwara) Ali Yusuf and standup artiste, Abdulgafar Abiola (Cute Abiola);
The rest were Kwara North Development Council, Chief Jerry Kolo; and Dr. Adebola Bakare of University of Ilorin.
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