The City Boy Movement in Ogun State is set to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with N45 million during its first Annual Youth Summit, scheduled for December 21, 2024, at the June 12 Cultural Center in Abeokuta. The summit aims to promote youth entrepreneurship and stimulate economic growth in the state.
As part of the initiative, 50 medium-scale entrepreneurs will receive N500,000 each, while 100 small-scale business owners will be awarded N200,000 each. Additionally, three tech innovations with social impact will secure special funding. In a move to support grassroots economic development, N200,000 will be allocated to 30 market women.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, will attend as the Special Guest of Honour. The event will be co-hosted by Seyi Tinubu and Yusuf Olawale, Personal Assistant to the President on Special Duties.
The summit will feature panel discussions on micro, small, and medium enterprises, technology, agriculture, and the creative economy. Key speakers include Ayodele Wisdom, Minister for Youth Development, and Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister for Communication and Digital Economy. Other prominent participants include Charles Odii, Director-General of SMEDAN; Dr. Oluwatoyin Afiz of ITF; and Rinsola Abiola, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership.
“The City Boy Movement is dedicated today to fostering youth development and economic empowerment,” said the organizers, highlighting plans to award scholarships and innovation grants to students and tech innovators.
The movement is also making strides in education by donating classroom furniture to six primary schools across Ogun’s three senatorial districts. Each school received 50 sets of tables and chairs, benefiting 900 students.
