The Federal Ministry of Youth Development trained 160 young individuals from 17 states in the Southern zone of Nigeria in a two-week youth entrepreneurship program in Ode-Omu, Osun State.

The program focused on teaching participants how to generate bankable business plan, a crucial skill for attracting investors and accessing the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund.

Momoh Idris Olugbenga, Director of Enterprise Development and Promotion Department, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, commended the participants. He praised their enthusiasm and dedication to learning, saying “I implore you all to make use of these laudable training by our Ministry as it will make a positive difference in your future endeavours.”

He urged participants to take advantage of the National Youth Development Fund, a comprehensive initiative aimed at reducing youth unemployment in Nigeria. The fund is designed to provide financial support to young entrepreneurs, enabling them to access the resources they need to start or grow their businesses.

“Youth unemployment is a major challenge facing our nation, and we are committed to provide the support and resources needed to empower our young people,” Olugbenga said.

To be eligible for the fund, applicants must submit a bankable business plan and demonstrate a strong understanding of entrepreneurship principles, including record-keeping, business management, and fraud detection.

Itohan Odige stated that “it’s been an eventful two weeks where youths from different states from the southern zone of Nigeria came together in one space and they have learned a lots.”

Itohan Odige, who served as the main facilitator, revealed that the program focused on teaching participants how to generate bankable business plans. She emphasized that these plans are essential for attracting investors and financial institutions, and are a critical requirement for accessing the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund.

She noted that the Federal Government will support participants in developing their plans to secure funding from interested financial investors. She stressed that a bankable business plan is crucial, saying “not just writing a business plan, but writing a bankable business plan.”

Itohan Odige stated that a total of 160 participants from 17 states in the southern zone of Nigeria benefited from the program. She expressed her satisfaction with the program’s outcome, highlighting the significant learnings and skills acquired by the participants, and implored them to make use of the training positively.

The Principal of the Training Centre, Mr. Olasunkanmi, congratulated participants on the successful completion of the two-week training program. In his remarks, Mr. Olasunkanmi hailed the participants for reaching another milestone in their learning journey, urging them to heed the teachings and apply the skills acquired during the program.

He also expressed gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Youth Development for initiating timely programs aimed at empowering youths in the country.

Kolejo Fathia, a participant from Lagos, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Youth and Social Development for organizing such laudable workshop training, commended the Ministry’s commitment to empowering youth entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in business.

She described the workshop as an “eye-opening experience” and acknowledged the exceptional facilitators and comprehensive materials provided.

Fathia appreciated the opportunity to network with fellow entrepreneurs and learn from their experiences. She emphasized the importance of the Ministry’s support and guidance in the success of young people, saying, “Your belief in the potential of young people to drive economic growth and development is crucial to our success.”

Fathia expressed her eagerness to apply the skills acquired from the workshop to create a bankable business plan and contribute meaningfully to the economy. She concluded by thanking the Ministry for the “incredible opportunity” and acknowledging the lasting impact of the workshop on her entrepreneurial journey.

Moses Odigwe, a participant from Delta State, expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm for the concluded two-week detailed training.

Odigwe described the program as “wonderful” and exceeding his expectations, applauding the facilitators for their incredible teaching skills and the comprehensive materials provided. He noted that the program went beyond just entrepreneurship and business plan writing, also imparting valuable life lessons.

One of the key takeaways for Odigwe was the ability to generate a bankable business plan, a skill he acquired through the program. He expressed special appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Youth Development for the opportunity, highlighting the positive impact it has had on his life.

Also in attendance is the Director of Information, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Mrs. Ebunoluwa, Mr. Saheed Oladosu Facilitator and other Facilitators of the Training.