The Ogun State Government is ready to promote and assist youths that are creative in their different areas of endeavour, for rapid economic growth of the State, Commissioner for Rural Development, Engr. Taiwo Oludotun has said.

Oludotun revealed this at Oba’s Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, during the presentation of certificates and distribution of starter packs to over 120 youths drawn from the three Senatorial Districts of the State.

The Commissioner stated that beneficiaries were trained on Tie and dye, Adire and Kampala production, to make them self-reliant and employers of labour, charging them to be dynamic, build connections, character and competence.

In his keynote address, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Job Creation and Youth Empowerment, Mr. Abiola Odetola noted that a WhatsApp platform would be created to encourage, monitor and display products of beneficiaries, noting that ‘’the government is ready to market all the first products produced with the starter pack given to them.

“We will also support you to register your business and train you on how to market your products. This empowerment is not a take and go, but a take and stay in the business”, Odetola added.

In his goodwill message, the Ogun Youth Convener, Mr. Usman Olamilekan said that entrepreneurship would assist the country to advance economically, noting that ‘’Nigeria is in the era of what you can do with your hands to ease and reduce the problem of unemployment in our society’’.

Olamilekan charged the beneficiaries not to sell the starter packs and never despised their little beginning.

Reacting on behalf of other beneficiaries, Mary Olowolagba appreciated the government for the gesture, calling on co-recipients to make good use of the knowledge gained and impart it on others.