By Edith Igbokwe
No fewer than 50 youths in micro and small scale business in Oshodi-Isolo Local Government benefited from the N500,000 business grants given by the Member of the Federal House Representatives representing Oshodi-Isolo Constituency I, Dr. Bashiru Dawodu.
The beneficiaries got N10, 000 each to support their businesses.
According to the lawmaker, the grants were given to keep many youths in businesses to survive the economy hardship caused by the outbreak of Covid-19, noting that many have already been forced out of business.
Dawodu said though the fund is small, it is capable of boosting their businesses if judiciously utilized.
He, therefore, urged the beneficiaries to put the grants into good use as he promised to continue facilitating federal government’s projects and other grants to his constituency to make life better for the people.
He reiterated that the well- being of the youths is part of his campaign promise and that the grant is part of his plan to empower the youths.
Also speaking at the occasion, the representative of Small Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), which supported the grant, Mrs. Olusola Oluwole, advised the beneficiaries to leverage on Information communication Technology (ICT) to boost their businesses, saying the grant as small as it is could make them grow into large scale entrepreneurs.
Appreciating the grant, the beneficiaries, who spoke to ECHONEWS promised to judiciously make use of the fund to boost their small businesses.
A beneficiary, Nnamdi Nwaogwu said: “I run a small recharge card business in Oshodi in my residence. I have added the grant given to my business to get large quantity of recharge cards. I am just fortunate to be among the beneficiaries and I really appreciate the donor for his good gesture at this period of time and pray that God give him long life to serve us in our constituency.”
Yetunde Olaofe, another beneficiary said: “I sell underwears and clothing materials in Mafoluku environ and I have used the grant to restock my business. I am really happy and grateful because I was not expecting it. I pray that God will continue to strengthen Dr. Dawodu for doing this for us.”
