By Emmanuel Nduka
Senator Tokunbo Abiru representing Lagos East Senatorial District, has flagged off a business clinic for over 1,000 entrepreneurs to receive empowerment to run profitable businesses.
The programme is powered by the Senator in conjunction with Fate Foundation under the leadership of Executive Director, Adenike Adeyemi
Speaking in his Welcome address, Abiru said through his effort, about 25,000 Nigerians have been empowered.
He said this set of 1,000 entrepreneurs will pass through various clinics to enable them draw from N100m loan disbursement which will effect in 2022.
“My team and I have taken time to identify some of the challenges encountered by entrepreneurs and how to proffer solution. The loan disbursement will effect in the first quarter of 2022,” Abiru said.
Speaking shortly after the event, former Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, Wale Edun, who is also a Member, Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) said the clinic with special attention to Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), had special features that will benefit the participants.
Similarlly, former Minister for Works, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe appreciated the organisers of the programme for their exemplary efforts in lifting many Lagosians out of poverty.
“The organisers are learned and impactful. Abiru’s experience in the private sector has come to lift many people out of poverty.
“The programmes are well segmented and cannot be hijacked by politicians because he has identified different sectors of the economy and tackling their challenges one after the other,” he said.
One of the participants, Ugwu Kelechi, an architect and farmer from Ikorodu told the Vanguard that the clinic was impactful and has served as an eye opener for his profession.
“I have gained a lot from the clinic in the sense that it has enabled me to take the fishery aspect of my business to a higher level especially in the area of digital marketing,” she said.
A Printer, Kasali Adeyemi from Kosofe area said, “my business suffered from the impact of Covid-19 Pandemic but since I came across this initiative, it has been a different story.”
Top business and political leaders across the country including former Minister for Works, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, former Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, Wale Edun, Member, Governor’s Advisory Council, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Bashorun and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Bank of Industry, Mr. Oluwakayode Pitan among others, were part of those present at the flag-off.
