Project Enable Africa, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting economic opportunities for persons with disabilities, has successfully concluded its Business Support Program in Osun and Oyo States, empowering a total of 45 young entrepreneurs with disabilities.
In Osun State, 25 aspiring entrepreneurs with disabilities participated in the program, which culminated in a closing ceremony attended by Hon. Bayo Ogungbangbe, the Commissioner for Cooperatives and Empowerment.
In his address, Hon. Ogungbangbe commended Project Enable Africa and Libra Philanthropies for their efforts in promoting economic opportunities for vulnerable populations.
He emphasized the state government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity through social inclusion, including skill acquisition training and financial support for startups and entrepreneurs.
As a testament to this commitment, Hon. Ogungbangbe announced the disbursement of N50,000 each to the trained entrepreneurs with disabilities in Osun State, ensuring immediate support for their business endeavors. This is in addition to the seed capital given to all the participants as part of the program.
Similarly, in Oyo State, 20 entrepreneurs with disabilities benefited from the Business Support Program.
Hon. Femi Sunday Timothy, the Executive Assistant to the Oyo State Governor on Disabilities Matters acknowledged the program’s positive impact on the disability community in Oyo State and highlighted its importance in creating economic opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Both programs provided intensive training in essential business areas such as human design thinking, product development strategies, funding linkages, legal strategy, human resource management, digitalization, and financial management.
The closing ceremonies in both states featured business fairs, allowing participants to showcase their products and services while receiving seed capital to support their business growth from Libra Philanthropies.
Sanusi Rafiat Idowu, CEO of Alwajud Enterprises and a participant from Osun State, expressed how the session on Finance management and bookkeeping will help position her business to attract business funding, highlighting the practical knowledge gained from the program.
In Oyo State, one of the participants, Hammed Ajayi, a person with albinism and the CEO of AJCI Global Concepts Limited, shared his transformative experience with the press.
In his statement, Ajayi reiterated how the program has been a game-changer for his business. The comprehensive training and support provided have not only enhanced his understanding of key business strategies but have also empowered him to reposition his company for greater success.
Olusola Owonikoko, Executive Director of Project Enable Africa, expressed gratitude for the support of stakeholders like Libra Philanthropies, emphasizing the significance of empowering entrepreneurs with disabilities to drive economic development and social inclusion.
These successful programs demonstrate Project Enable Africa’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and empowering individuals with disabilities to remain resilient despite the current economic uncertainty.
