From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
Vice President, Kashim Shettima has appluaded Ugwumba Leadership Center for empowering over 5000 Nigerian youths in skills acquisition and given the top ten a starter pack.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs Inna Audu , the VP urged the ten finalists to replicate the gestures by empowering others saying, this will reduce unemployment and improved economy situation of tge country.
Earlier in his remarks,the founder of the foundation, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu said the increasing rate of unemployment in the country demands urgent attention.
Ugwumba stressed that the issue of unemployment can not be addressed only by the government, calling well to Nigerians to hands in changing the narrative.
He added that in the past four years,the foundation have empowered over 5000 young entrepreneurs and start up for women traders across the country irrespective of tribe or religion.
Ugwumba explained that the mission of the foundation is to raise a new generation of leaders and entrepreneurs for Africa through its programs.
He said “The rate of youth unemployment in Nigeria today is a source of worry for us at the Ugwumba Leadership Center and it calls for everyone’s urgent attention.
Between 2018 and 2022, we have trained and supported over 5,000 youths across the 36 States plus the FCT to establish their businesses. Today, these young entrepreneurs have created jobs for themselves and have equally employed other youths. It did not stop there, they are also making money and therefore contributing to an increase in Nigeria’s GDP.
The reason why we are committing our resources, both financial and non-financial to support these Nigerian youths is because, we strongly believe that “We are all One”. This is the message I want to share with everyone here today.
Similarly the executive director of the foundation Remy Chukwunere, said most of the beneficiaries of the Ugwumba Enterprise Challenge have become employers of labour, thereby helping to reduce the unemployment crisis as well as contribute to an increase in Nigeria’s overall GDP.
Also speaking,the president of the Princeton leadership Forum, Dr Chibuike Echem called on Nigerians to emulate the foundation in tackling unemployment.
He lamented the harsh economic situation in the country has left everyone self centered, making it difficult for the less privileged to find assistance.
The winner of the 2023 Ugwumba challenge was Taiwo Akinsanya, CEO Dynalimb Technologies Ltd
out of 1400 participants.
In his acceptance speech the overall winner, Taiwo whco was in tears dedicated the grant to his late grandmother who saw him through school.