400 Residents to Benefit from Free CAC Registration
The African Women Power (AWP) Network has awarded grants to over 16 entrepreneurs in Ekiti State as part of its efforts to support small businesses and boost economic empowerment.
The founder of AWP Network, Mrs. Mary Olushoga, announced this during a two-day training and empowerment program held in Ado-Ekiti. She revealed that the initiative was made possible through a strategic partnership with the Ekiti State Government, facilitated by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
The two-day event served as a platform for capacity building, technical support, and financial empowerment for women and youth entrepreneurs across Nigeria.
She said the primary goal of the program was to equip participants with the necessary skills and resources to transition from the informal to the formal sector, thereby reducing poverty and fostering business growth.
According to Mrs. Olushoga, the initiative aims to empower women by providing them with free and access to grants that would help scale their businesses. She emphasized that formalizing businesses opens doors to greater opportunities, enabling women to thrive in the competitive market space.
She further highlighted that the program aligns with Ekiti State’s shared prosperity agenda, as it focuses on economic empowerment and environmental sustainability.
Beyond the who received direct financial support, over 400 participants who attended the training will benefit from free CAC business registration.
This initiative is designed to remove barriers that often hinder small business owners from accessing government and private sector opportunities.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Mr. James Folorunso, and the Technical Advisor to the Governor on Entrepreneurship Development, Dr. Abímbólá Òní, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
They urged participants to take advantage of the knowledge and resources provided through the program to expand their businesses and benefit from government-backed economic initiatives.
Renowned business expert, Mr. Remi Ademiju, who served as a resource person at the event, emphasized the importance of business planning and sustainable growth strategies.
He encouraged participants to adopt structured business practices and leverage available opportunities to scale their enterprises.
The AWP network initiative in Ekiti State reflects a broader effort to support women and youth entrepreneurs in Nigeria by reducing financial and bureaucratic barriers to business formalization.
