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From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
The federal government has doled out a total sum of N100 million grants to 200 Nigerians youths selected across the country under the Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education (TVEE) Scheme, to boost their potential for economic development after completing a 10-day intensive training.
Senior Special Assistant to the President Bola Tinubu on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education (SSAP-TVEE), Abiola Arogundade, said it was in fulfilment of the electioneering campaign to develop and empower Nigerian youths.
Arogundade further explained that the grant was to boost the potentials of the beneficiaries for economic development after the intensive training exercise under the “Unlock Training Programme”.
The SSAP made the disclosure during the award of grants, graduation and presentation of certificate of completion of training to benefiting participants in Abuja on Saturday.
She explained that the empowerment programme was the outcome of a six-week campaign initiated by the presidency, adding: “Nigerian youths were asked to record and submit a one minute video on their current TVET skills, what their plans are for the future on such skills and how they want government to assist them achieve their plans.
“At the end of that campaign, about 10,000 participants were trained on how to write and execute business plans. Both online and physical participants were trained on the components of a good business plan including executive summary, business overview, marketing strategies, pricing, money management and risks among others.
“After the course, participants were asked to write and submit business plans. Today, we are giving out N500,000 grants each to 120 winners with the best Business Plans.
“We are also giving out honourary awards to 80 persons seen to be doing very well in their Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship skills but need support to upscale their businesses,” she disclosed.
The Presidential aide also revealed that Certificate of Completion would be given to all participants who rounded up the training and to assist participants, especially new start-ups, to register their companies.
Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and a commercial bank were present during the ceremony to issue certificates of incorporation and to credit the winners with their N500,000 grants to ensure they dont leave without their prices.
While commending the efforts of the SSAP, the Special Adviser to the President on Media, Bayo Onanuga, advised the beneficiaries to judiciously utilise the grant for the purpose for which it was granted.
He also stressed the need for shift of focus among the younger generation, advising that in addition to academic acquisition more attention should be given to skill development, stressing that only the skillful will call the shots in the future.
Goodwill messages came from the Minister of Women Affairs, Barrister Uju Ohaneye, Minister of State, Education, Yusuf Sununu, Minister of State for Youth, Ayodele Olawande and Minister of State for Labour, Nikurka Onyejiocha as well as federal lawmakers.
