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Osinbajo says entrepreneurs are key to economic recovery

By Emeka Nwachukwu
11 June 2019   |   4:17 am
Vice President Yemi Osibanjo has said that the country’s socio-economic transformation rests strongly on the shoulders of entrepreneurs.

[FILE PHOTO] Nigeria’s vice president Yemi Osinbajo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that the country’s socio-economic transformation rests strongly on the shoulders of entrepreneurs.

Osinbajo spoke yesterday in Lagos at the graduation ceremony for 137 beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).

Without artisans, technicians and small business people, Nigeria’s economy would be vastly less-productive, he emphasised.

The vice president noted that beneficiaries, who had been trained in various skills and empowered in their trades, would become the backbone of the economy.

He, however, assured that the federal government under Muhammadu Buhari would continue to create enabling environment for beneficiaries of the programme to actualise their aspirations.

Represented at the occasion by a director in his office, Mrs. Lauren Braide, the number two citizen described the amnesty programme as a much-needed intervention in the larger developmental agenda for the Niger Delta.

“I have no doubt that what you have learnt from this programme will translate into significant personal and professional advancement for you and into great benefit for your communities and for the Nigerian economy as a whole. The skills you have acquired in this programme are the backbone of Nigeria’s economy.

“The programme has made available start-up kits and packages for your use; ensure that you use them for the purpose for which they have been given to you. As you proceed from here, never forget that hard work and integrity are non-negotiable, and will make all the difference you seek. As fashion designers, leather workers and technology professionals, apart from your service skills, the most important asset you will have is your reputation – for honesty, diligence and reliability,” he said.

Earlier in his opening remarks, coordinator of PAP, Prof. Charles Dokubo, said henceforth beneficiaries of the programme would immediately be given starter packs at the end of their training to start their trade.

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