Senator Echocho’s ₦100m Scheme: A Stitch in Time for Kogi Young Entrepreneurs »

By Blessing Ele-ojo from Abuja

Unemployment remains a persistent menace, not only in Kogi State but across Nigeria. The National Bureau of Statistics has reported an 8.6% increase in unemployment rate among young people since the last quarter of 2023, a melancholic quandary where promising talents often find themselves trapped in the cycle of joblessness. This predicament is not just about financial hardship; it also casts a gloomy shadow on the future of our youth, leaving many exposed to exploitation, especially during election seasons, where they’re often vulnerable to the whims of political game masters.

However, in a remarkable departure from the norm, the Kogi East Senator, Jibrin Isah Echocho, has taken a spirited step with the launch of the KOGI EAST GRADUATE ENTREPRENEURSHIP SCHEME designed to empower 100 Kogi East graduate entrepreneurs. By providing a substantial capital injection of 1 million Naira each to these 20 thoroughly vetted beneficiaries in the first phase, the senator is not just offering financial aid but is empowering a new generation of entrepreneurs. This initiative, aimed at young graduates, is a beacon of hope that demonstrates a commitment to breaking the chains of unemployment, underemployement and seasonal political manipulations in Kogi State.

Senator Echocho’s foresight in creating this scheme deserves resounding applause, more so because it goes beyond a one-time gesture, which should, in fact, serve as roadmap for sustainable socioeconomic change in the state.

Now the challenge Echocho has presented to the selected beneficiaries is a call to action — to transform this significant opportunity into thriving businesses that not only benefit themselves but also contribute to Kogi economic landscape.

“To whom much is given, much is expected.” This age-old adage rings true for the 20 fortunate entrepreneurs. They hold not just 1 million Naira in their hands but the potential to transform this startup capital into flourishing enterprises. The senator’s challenge to them is to be pioneers of progress, to become the employers of tomorrow, and pave the way for others to follow suit. It is not just about personal success; it is about collectively building a more prosperous Kogi State for all. Needless to say, Echocho’s initiative is the dawn of a new era in Kogi entrepreneurial space.

Furthermore, this act is a clarion call to other leaders and stakeholders to introspect and extend more helping hands, because there are a plethora of hands veritably needing these helps, given the current inflation and economic hardship in the nation. His initiative should serve as a blueprint and an inspiration for more efforts to uplift our youth and drive economic growth. There’s room for further strategic schemes, but of course, emulation of such noble endeavors can only lead to a brighter future for Kogi State, where the specter of unemployment is banished, where the youth rise not as victims but as victors, where they are not just statistics of unemployment but the architects of their own destinies, empowered and emboldened by initiatives like the KOGI EAST GRADUATE ENTREPRENEURSHIP SCHEME.

In conclusion, Echocho’s visionary approach to tackling youth unemployment in Kogi East deserves not just praise but active support from all quarters. The impact of this scheme will reverberate far beyond these initial 20 beneficiaries, creating a ripple effect of massive economic boost across Kogi State. With this, we look forward to a future where our youth are not just job seekers but job creators, thanks to the foresight and commitment of leaders like Senator Echocho.

This is what it means to be a true servant leader—Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho exemplifies leadership in its finest form.