Ogun State Government has pledged its full commitment to supporting and collaborating with strategic stakeholders for the purpose of training, mentoring and provision of funding support for young entrepreneurs to enable them increase locally made goods in the State.
Governor Dapo Abiodun made the pledge in Abeokuta when he launched the Orange Corners Nigeria Hub in company of the Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria, Michel Deelen
He noted that the hub project aligned perfectly with the strategic priorities and economic agenda of the State.
Abiodun who was represented by the State Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela, says the initiative has the capacity to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit of youths while propelling the State towards greater socio-economic development.
He expressed the willingness of the present administration to partnering the Hub on access to market for SMEs, policy advocacy and support, infrastructure development, capacity building and mentorship.
“With the launch of this innovative hub in Ogun State, we are poised to witness a new wave of entrepreneurial excellence that will significantly contribute to the growth and prosperity of our State.
" The training, mentorship, and funding provided will equip our young entrepreneurs with the skills and resources needed to thrive in a competitive global market.
“This initiative will create jobs and stimulate economic activities, while it significantly contributes to the reduction of poverty and unemployment in Ogun State, enhance social security and reduce youth unrest,” Abiodun said.
He noted that his administration has continued to promote entrepreneurship, pointing out that different initiatives such as the Ogun Tech Hub, Ogun State Enterprise Development Agency (OGS-EDA), Ogun SME Financial Empowerment Scheme, the 1,000-hectare Small and Medium Enterprises Industrial Land Acquisition Scheme (SILAS), among others have been introduced to promote entrepreneurship, improve infrastructure and enhance the overall business climate in the State while the N200 billion FGN- presidential intervention Funds window have also been leveraged to boost SMEs
Governor Abiodun added said his government had taken Ogun State beyond the natural competitiveness of being the recepient of overflow of investments from Lagos, saying his government has been more deliberate and intentional in improving the Ease of Doing Business and attracting more investments through implementation of business-friendly reforms, provision of critical infrastructure as well as critical investment in the security of lives and property.
Also speaking, Consul General, Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lagos, Nigeria, Michel Deelen said the Netherlands is partnering the FATE Foundation to help empower entrepreneurs with the necessary training, mentorship and funding which would help their businesses grow.
Speaking earlier, the Executive Director, FATE Foundation, Mrs. Adenike Adeyemi who disclosed that the Foundation had so far supported 1,000 entrepreneurs in the State, said the launch was aimed at widening the horizon of the hub and enable the project impact more entrepreneurs
According to her , 20 entrepreneurs who have been selected to pioneer the project in the State would benefit from a comprehensive six-month incubation and empowerment programme and take-off financial grants to help set up their businesses.
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