Women to get 50% of $200m grants for MSME start-ups –Shettima

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima, has disclosed that women will get 50 per cent of $200million  to be raised by the newly established National Philanthropic Office (NPO).

He made the disclosure Friday at the inauguration of the local implementation committee of the National Philanthropic Office (NPO), at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Shettima, who assured that the success and positive impact of the newly established NPO is guaranteed under the Bola Tinubu’s administration, explained that the office is set to raise $200million in grants and non-financial investment through local and international teams to provide support for start-ups in key sectors of the country’s Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) space.

According to him, Tinubu has been a firm believer in giving back to society and as such, his enduring spirit of bettering the lot of the citizens is enough guarantee for the office to make a huge success and impact.

Shettima explained that the NPO is an initiative driven 100 per cent by the private sector, with full support from the government, as part of efforts by the Tinubu government to raise alternative funding for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMSEs).

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, who spoke on behalf of governors of the 36 states of the federation, said the initiative would be most beneficial to businesses and individuals across the states, expressing the delight of his colleagues and pledging their support.

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, represented by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Nebolisa Anako, commended the Vice President for the initiative, and the private sector partners for their commitment, noting that it aligns with the goals of the Tinubu administration.