Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Saturday inaugurated the N1 billion Women-Owned Micro Businesses named in honour of Abibatu Mogaji Tinubu, the president’s mother.
The monarch equally recognized 100 young African leaders at the fourth Royal African Young Leadership Forum held at Oduduwa Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.
Addressing the forum’s theme, ‘African of the future: Better together,’ the Ooni expressed his dedication to uplifting individuals from humble beginnings.
He stated, “We will raise a lot of people from grass to grace. The Africa Chamber of Commerce will continue to drive it. This is the reason why I came to the throne. We will work together with people for the betterment and great tomorrow.
“Through RAYLF, I’m unwaveringly committed to leading young people across Africa to reshape the future of the continent by harnessing their potential to address critical challenges that are bedevilling the shining light of the continent’s greatness.”
Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency, Charles Odin, highlighted that the RAYLF would become the largest network to stimulate economic growth.
While signing the agreement with the Ooni, Odii emphasized the joint effort of SMEDAN and RAYLF to formalize their partnership for launching the WOMB project.
“The project is an initiative envisioned by HIM Ooni of Ife, to train, fund mentor and support female entrepreneurs across Nigeria with access to local, regional and global markets. SMEDAN committed to providing a N1 billion fund to support the WOMB project.
“This collaboration aims to enhance the capacity of WOMB through comprehensive training, funding, mentorship and access to market programmes administered by RAYLF. Both parties agreed to work together in good faith, ensuring the successful implementation and sustainability of the WOMB project.
“This partnership underscores our commitment to fostering economic growth, empowerment and sustainable development for female entrepreneurs in Nigeria,” the agreement reads.
