Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has encouraged Youths in the State of Osun to embrace Entrepreneurship as it is the panacea to solving the unemployment problem in the country.
The Governor contends that if Youths startup Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, it will assist them to be self-reliant, curb restiveness among the young population and propel their prosperity.
Oyetola spoke through the Commissioner for Human Resources and Capacity Building, Alhaja Lateefat Giwa at the commissioning of a private firm, KATAMAS Organics Garri Processing Industry, Ede.
Giwa said “Governor Oyetola believes in the growth and development of the people especially those in Small and Medium Scale Enterprises. That is why he is always excited when such businesses spring up. They add to the value chain of job and wealth creation which in turn adds to the growth of the economy.
According to the Governor, SMEs also play critical roles in poverty alleviation and eradication as well as its inputs in the reduction of unemployment in the country.
The Governor commended the founder of the company for his strides in developing the local economy.
“This is something everyone needs to support. If this Garri processing industry is supported and backed by the people, it can metamorphose into a big venture that will in-turn impact positively on the economy of Edeland. I want everyone to join hands with him and give this the needed encouragement to succeed.
“Garri processing is a veritable business. Its packaging and proper branding is capable of making billionaires within a short time. Garri is one of the most sought after foods in the country and even beyond. The founder should do well to access government’s support for SMEs in a way that will further expand his business and create more wealth for his people.”
Speaking with newsmen, Bakare Kamil Olalekan, the founder of the KATAMAS Organics Garri Processing Industry, Ede explained that his vision is to help re-jig the local economy through production and wealth creation.
Olalekan solicited the support of government in engendering the growth of small businesses in the state of Osun.
“I had this vision since my secondary school days. I had been involved as an apprentice and worker in bakeries and so on in different places just to learn about entrepreneurship and personal development.
“When i finished school, I got a job as a secretary in a bakery for 2-3 years. I used the proceeds to start my own business of selling foodstuffs. It was then I realised that I can also go into food production.
“I thought of starting with Garri and I went for research and feasibility studies. During the period of my findings, I realised there are some things people have not added to it. These are the things I put together.
“My vision is to be the largest producer of processed Garri in Ede, the state of Osun and the nation at large. I would be glad if government supports this venture through incentives, waivers and grants to help this business as it has the potential to create jobs, improve the ecomomy and encourage local food production in the country.”
