Youths in Kwara State on Friday expressed gratitude to the Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for nurturing future leaders and building the economic capacity of the youths through various initiatives.
The youths expressed this during a youth engagement and empowerment event organised by the state government at the banquet hall, Ilorin.
Speaking at the event, the panelists who were drawn from various sectors took turns to speak on the theme of the event “Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating A World for All Ages.”
They commended the state government for entrusting youths with positions of authority and supporting businesses owned by young people, urging the beneficiaries to make good use of the funds and to remain committed to their dreams.
In his remark, a University lecturer and youths ambassador, Dr Lawal Olohungbebe, said “Your Excellency, you are an achiever. I can boldly say that considering various impactful projects and programmes your administration has executed so far, and for running a government that is youth driven.”
The owner of Item7 said: “The government of Kwara State has been so fantastic. The people running the system have made it possible for us to go this far.
“It is not possible to replicate what we have done here elsewhere. I tell people always that if you want any environment to do business and make it easy come to Kwara State.”
Giving his remarks as a special guest of honour at the event the All Progresive Congress, APC, National Youths Leader, Dayo Israel said: “What is happening in Kwara in terms of good governance and sincerity of purpose is a beacon of hope that things will soon turn out better in the Country, irrespective of the current challenges.”
In his remarks, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said the country must seize every opportunity to engage its growing young population.
“This is an opportunity for growth and prosperity. But it could also be a threat to stability, peace, and security on the continent if not managed. This is why we must not lose the conversation around inclusion, growth, quality engagement and empowerment of young people. For this reason, I align myself with the theme of this gathering, which is Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating A World for All Ages,” he said.
“Our administration has a reputation for listening to, engaging and empowering young people in very practical terms. Many of our projects, programmes, and policy direction have been conceived to benefit especially young people. The innovation hub, visual arts centre, film factory, garment factory, the huge investments in tech-driven basic education, and road projects linking farmlands to city centres are good examples of this.
“Today’s launch of Kwapreneur 2.0 is another example. No fewer than 100 young people will get a grant of One Million Naira each to support their businesses. Not only will this keep them away from violent crimes and protect them from predatory politics; it is another way of strengthening small and medium scale businesses with multiplying effects on the local economy and living standards of the people.
“Kwapreneur 1.0 has been a huge success, with at least 75% of recipient businesses thriving and expanding. The repayment rate of roughly 50% is also encouraging and can be better. I urge all the beneficiaries of Kwapreneur 2.0 to make judicious use of it.”
KWASSIP’s chief AbdulQuawiy Olododo said beneficiaries were drawn from a pool of those who had applied for Kwapreneur 1.0 and nominations from artisan groups, community organisations, and youth groups, among others.
The event which was moderated by Dr Adebola Bakare of University of Ilorin was well-attended by government officials, prominent youth leaders, and community leaders.
