...grants N27.5m lifeline to 2,500 students' SMEs
The Chairman Senate Committee on Local Content, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, (PDP, Kogi Central), has harped on the need inculcate entrepreneurial skill in studies to deal with the menace of mass unemployment.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan stated this during the flag off of a free Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration for 2,500 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) for her constituents who are students of various tertiary institutions in and outside Kogi State, yesterday.
The federal lawmaker noted that the initiative is aimed at reducing the dependence on white collar jobs among graduates which more often than not, leads to frustration.
Speaking during the programme, Senator Natasha said, she has been a social entrepreneur, advocating for self-reliance and skills for sustainable development before becoming a political reformer.
While emphasizing the need for budding entrepreneurs to learn about the ecosystem of a business, She said CAC registration remains the legal foundation of any legitimate business in Nigeria.
She explained that the business carts were presented to the National Association of Ebira Students (NAES) in selected institutions of higher learning.
They are expected to use them to run the businesses in order to provide support for indigent students in their midst.
According to her Chief Press Secretary, Hon. Arogbonlo Israel, the initiative is part of the Senator's continued efforts to
drive innovation in governance and impact positively in the lives of indigent students of Kogi Central origin.
He explained that under this initiative, students, the Senator bore the cost of the registration for all beneficiaries.
The lawmaker also gave each of the beneficiary's start-up funds and a token for transport to their various destinations.
Hon. Israel said, "Following the latest event, With the flag-off, the CAC business registration across Kogi Central will commence in each of the constituency offices in the five local government areas to capture 2,500 SMEs.
"The initiative is designed to equip them with the skills and resources necessary to start and grow profitable businesses, ensuring that they contribute positively to society after graduation.
"The registration, which would have cost N11,00 each, was fully paid for by the lawmaker, at a total cost of N27,500,000 for the registration of all 2,500 SMEs.
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"This proactive measure will help reduce dependency on government support and ease societal burdens.
"The flag-off of the free CAC business registration also helped the students register their businesses on the spot.
"Other business owners were also assisted to register their businesses with certificates of registration presented to them on the spot. "
The multipurpose business carts, consist of: clipper, barbing mirror, plexi glass frame, branded umbrella parasol, box cooler/warmer, 50 watts' solar panel, 3 in 1 USB charging cable, rechargeable night lamp, 36AH battery (installed), solar charge controller, dual USB charging port, triple circuit isolator/lvd, and barbing chair.
The CAC team was led by CAC FCT Zonal Office, Mr Bello Muftahu Esq, said they were around to carry out the business registration as part of the fulfilment of the law, adding that such businesses will have legal recognition and allow them to access government and private grants and loans.
Students in the following institutions are among the beneficiaries: Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Federal College of Education, Okene, Bayero University, Kano,
Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa and Kaduna State Polytechnic.
