…as YPF holds maiden business empowerment summit in Ekiti
The Federal Government says it will continue to work with the Young Professionals Forum, YPF, towards raising the next generation of business leaders that will reshape the nation’s economy.
Minister of State For Youth Development, Wisdom Ayodele stated this at a one-day maiden Business Empowerment Summit, organized by YPF, Ekiti State Chapter with the theme: “Built to Thrive: Building Resilient Businesses in a Disruptive Economy” held in Ado-Ekiti, over the weekend.
Represented by his Technical Assistant, Nathaniel Fumuyibo, the minister decried that the rising cases of unemployment is due to the failure of young professionals to manage finances in their businesses through federal government interventions.
He revealed that the Ministry in collaboration with YPF has put up a mechanism to ensure that young professionals judiciously invest in their businesses towards the elimination of a disruptive economy.
His words: “It is not all youths that know how to manage finances. Government has tried in all areas to make sure that youths are self-reliance. When loans and grants are made available to the youths, the money disappears into thin air and such youth will not be able to execute the business or even pay back the loan or the grant is not used for what it is meant for.
“That is why we have unemployment fighting back at the country presently. What we are doing now is to make sure that it is only youths that will take the bull by the horn, then we give a helping hand for such business and idea not to die.
“We have identified various youths that are into various businesses. Some will have cash support, some will have tools and materials. I have also awarded landed property assistance to those that are doing fish farming and agriculture.
“There will be monitoring mechanism. The YPF has put up very good team and that is why we are partnering with them to do this.”
The President, YPF, Ekiti State Chapter, Olaoluwa Adebiyi said that the summit was designed to equip young professionals with the knowledge, skills and connections to succeed in the face of disruption.
He called on the young professionals to sharpen their business acumen, gain valuable knowledge and insights from seasoned professionals, discover cutting-edge trends and stay ahead of the curve by learning about the latest advancements in shaping the business world.
Adebiyi noted that the world of business is changing at an unprecedented pace through technological advancements, shifting consumer preferences and globalized landscape.
The event had in attendance top government functionaries, industry leaders, youths, entrepreneurs and innovators alongside panel discussions, presentation of awards and cash gifts donation to winners of business pitching.