Osun Government to set up OSUNPRENEUR to empower 600 youths
By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo
Osun State Government has partnered with Fidelity Bank, Wootlab Foundation, Microsoft, UNDP, SMEDAN and BOI to setup a MSME Clinic (OSUNPRENEUR) to empower 600 Youths across its Local Government Areas.
Osun State Focal Person on Social Intervention Programs(SIP), Hon Kehinde Ibitoye, made this known in a statement on Monday.
“In line with Governor Ademola Adeleke’s Business Growth Initiative, through strategic partnerships with the office of the Focal Person on Social Intervention Programs (SIP), the state is commitment to providing more digital jobs for Osun Youths.
“The Osun State Government through the office of the Focal Person on National Social Intervention programs is set to launch a MSME CLINIC (OSUNPRENEUR) that will empower youths across the local government areas with digital and related skills.
“The state is in partnership with a leading financial institution in Nigeria, FIDELITY BANK, Wootlab Foundation, GOOGLE, MICROSOFT, UNDP, SMEDAN and BOI to setup the OSUNPRENEUR.
“The arrangement for the initiatives was reached after a meeting between representatives of the bank, relevant stakeholders and the Focal Person on National Social Investment in Abuja.” he said
Ibitoye said, the strategic objectives of the OSUNPRENEUR programme includes: To empower young enterprenuers by providing them with tailored financial products, training and support to enable them build sustainable businesses that will support the growth of Osun’s economy.
He said other objectives includes: supporting tech-savvy youths with keen interest in digital innovations and aspire to drive technological advancements, by providing them with financial solutions, training and access to strategic partnerships.
“OSUNPRENEUR would be positioned to serve as a centralized platform to provide cutting-edge digital skills, mentorship and networking opportunities targeted at tech-savvy youths and young entrepreneurs in Osun State.
“The focus is promoting entrepreneurship, skills development and the integration of young employees in the workforce, particularly getting youths employed in the digital economy and upskilling SMEs who can directly add value to the country’s economy,” he said.
He said during the training, young adults would be enlightened in software engineering, product management, business analysis, cloud computing, product design, using a specialised curriculum designed from Google and Microsoft.
“In mentorship, 600 SMEs across Osun State will be mentored by experts while coaches will train and upskill them for business growth and quantum leap.
“In the program, grants will be provided under a collaborative arrangement by FIDELITY BANK , setting aside millions to be given to SMEs and Techprenuers,” he said.
