Young entrepreneurs from Osun State have been urged to take part in the upcoming workshops designed to help them in identifying and obtaining benefits in federal government grants and business loans.
The announcement was given in the presence of Comrade Oyewale Segun, convener of the Osun Youths Conference & Awards. The Osun Youth Conference and Awards press conference at Osogbo prior to Osogbo’s fourth annual event.
Segun explained that the program seeks to change what people think of Osun as being a “civil service state” by engaging young entrepreneurs who are yet to take advantage of financial assistance from federal institutions.
He said that this year’s conference will focus on an actionable engagement instead of merely a series of discussions. “We want to bring young entrepreneurs together to meet representatives from institutions such as the Bank of Industry (BoI), SMEDAN, and the Bank of Agriculture (BoA), exposing them to funding opportunities that can help them expand their businesses,” he added.
The conference is expected to draw at the very least 500 entrepreneurs throughout Osun State. Segun said that if 50% of them succeed in obtaining business loans or grants, the impact on the Osun economy will be significant.
The program was designed to encourage youngsters to think on their feet and encourage collaboration between the private sector, government entrepreneurs, and the private sector and establish Osun asa leading example for the development of youth within Nigeria.
Some of the guests expected to attend include Dr. Bukola Saraki, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Hajia Bola Shagaya, Hon. Ayodele Olawande (Minister of Youth), Dr. Charles Odii (DG of SMEDAN), and Barr. Pelumi Olajengbesi, and others. Their participation is expected to boost the dialogue and provide new opportunities for entrepreneurs of the future within the state.