Interior Minister empowers 200 students in 10 Ondo institutions

Interior Minister empowers 200 students in 10 Ondo institutions

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has donated business equipment to empower no fewer than 200 students from 10 tertiary institutions across Ondo State.

Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

The gesture was part of the efforts to empower the beneficiaries, promote entrepreneurship and unlock the economic potential of young people in the state.

The equipment was presented in Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Tuesday at an entrepreneurship summit themed, ‘Unlocking Ondo State students’ potential for economic growth.’

Speaking at the summit, the President, National Association of Nigerian Students Joint Campus Committee, Ondo Axis, Adekanye Adeboye, said the initiative was designed to enlighten students that academic certificates alone could not guarantee success in life.

‎According to him, the summit brought together students and entrepreneurs from across the state and aimed at encouraging students to develop entrepreneurial skills and businesses while still in school, rather than depending solely on white-collar jobs after graduation.

‎He said, “The motive behind this symposium is to enlighten our students and encourage them to see beyond academics by empowering themselves.

“We have noticed that many students believe their certificates alone can guarantee success, but that is an illusion.

‎”Success does not revolve solely around academic excellence. Students also need to explore and develop their skills and talents. As student leaders, we have a responsibility to inspire and empower them beyond the classroom.”

‎In his remarks, the NANS National President, Babatunde Akinteye, disclosed that the second edition of the empowerment programme, also known as ‘Students to CEO 2.0’, was sponsored by Tunji-Ojo to empower students across Ondo State and build on the success recorded during the maiden edition.

The beneficiaries received equipment to support various businesses and skills, including fashion designing, hair dressing, technology and other entrepreneurial ventures.

‎‎Akinteye explained that several beneficiaries of the previous edition had established businesses and become chief executive officers in their respective areas, adding that the latest intervention was designed to extend the opportunity to more students.

‎He called on governments at all levels to adopt direct empowerment programmes for students, particularly those engaged in agriculture and other small-scale businesses, noting that such interventions would help unlock the economic potential of Nigerian youths.

The Chairman of the Programme Committee, Lemuel Akinyele, commended Tunji-Ojo for sponsoring the summit and the empowerment programme, describing the intervention as a practical way of reducing the financial burden on students.

‎Akinyele disclosed that the 200 students from 10 institutions were selected for the empowerment, with each institution having 20 beneficiaries.

He expressed confidence that the initiative would be expanded to more students in subsequent editions.