Ekiti to support young entrepreneurs grow their businesses

Ekiti State government has promised to provide needed support for young entrepreneurs who are willing to expand their scope of business, in line with the government’s vision of igniting entrepreneurship spirit among its citizens.

The First Lady of Ekiti State, Mrs Bisi Fayemi, disclosed this at the closing session of the Ekiti Entrepreneurship Week 2019 in Ado-Ekiti.

The support according to her, including the provision of more opportunities to showcase talents, assisting the entrepreneurs with funds for expansion and linking them with mentors.

No fewer than 5,000 participants drawn from the 16 local government areas of the state participated in the three-day programme which was tagged “Enterprise and Creativity Meet Opportunity.”

Fayemi, who presented awards to some participants with very outstanding and innovative business ideas and projects, said she was delighted at the enthusiasm of the participants, adding that the government’s plan to enhance the capacity of young entrepreneurs and make them providers of employment is being realised.

She noted that the initiative would boost the state’s economic development if well explored strategically and help the fashion artists to develop themselves.

ALSO READ: Hoodlums attack NNPC mega station, kill security officer

She said: “We are doing this entrepreneurship week to showcase Ekiti locally made fabrics and tailoring.

“We have seen that Ekiti people are amazing, we have all these materials produced here in Ekiti. The Aso-oke was made by the local association of Aso-Oke Weavers and the adire material was made by students of the Ekiti State University (EKSU).

“We want to thank Dr John Kayode Fayemi for investing in Ekiti and supporting the womenfolk, we are showcasing to the world what we can do. Ekiti people are not lazy, they are hard-working and industrious,” she added.

She further disclosed that a number of the participants at the programme would be invited to both Fashion Week in Lagos, Nigeria in December, and the African Fashion Week London in 2020.

The Secretary of the planning committee, Mr Seyi Aiyeleso, urged the participants to make good use of the opportunity given to them from the programme adding that the programme was designed as a platform for raising and showcasing talents, which according to him abound in the state.