The federal government Saturday gave the sum of N100 million grants to 200 youths selected from across the country to boost their potential for economic development after 10 days training.
TheHintsNews reports that the programme was the outcome of a six-week campaign initiated by the presidency during which 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.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education (SSAP-TVEE), Abiola Arogundade, made this known in Abuja at the award of grants and Solar Kiosks as well as Certificate of Completion to deserving participants of “Unlock Training Programme”.
She explained that at the end of that campaign, about 10,000 participants were trained in a 10-day intensive training session on how to write and execute business plans.
The presidential aide added that during the programme, both online and physical participants were trained on the components of a good business plan including executive summary, business overview and 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.”
“In all, 200 benefited from the grant. 120 are freshers while 80 are those already in business who needed financial support to boost their business. In all N100m grant was given.”
Arogundade revealed that this was one of many programmes in supporting skills and enterprise and that her office intends to continue.
She said that Certificate of Completion would be given to all participants who completed the training and to assist participants, especially new start-ups, to register their companies.
The presidential aide noted that the Staff of the Corporate Affairs Commission and Providus Bank were on ground respectively issue incorporation certificates and to credit the winners with their N500,000 grants to ensure they dont leave without their prices.