In order to encourage entrepreneurship and self-reliance among students and small businesses in Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content, has introduced a new initiative.
The programme includes the distribution of multipurpose business carts and free registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
The initiative, launched at a ceremony in Lokoja, Kogi State, is designed to provide beneficiaries with the skills and tools needed to establish and expand successful businesses.
In addition to the business carts, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan also announced the commencement of free CAC registration for 2,500 SMEs in the district.
The registration exercise, which will be conducted in each of the constituency offices in the five local government areas, will provide legal recognition to the businesses and enable them to access government and private grants and loans.
“The initiative is part of our continued efforts to drive innovation in governance and impact the lives of indigent students of Kogi Central origin in tertiary institutions across the country. It also makes it possible for students, market women, and other business owners to register their businesses with the CAC at no cost”, she explained.
The Senator, who has been a vocal advocate for social entrepreneurship and skills development for sustainable growth, emphasised the importance of registering businesses. "Registering your business is the foundation of any legal business, and it allows you to access government and private grants and loans," she said.
The initiative is part of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's efforts to drive innovation in governance and impact the lives of indigent students and business owners in Kogi Central. By providing the necessary resources and support, she aims to reduce dependency on government support and ease societal burdens.
The registration, which would have cost N11,00 each, was paid for by the lawmaker, covering the total cost of N27,500,000 for the registration of all 2,500 SMEs.
Speaking during the program, Natasha said, she has been a social entrepreneur, advocating for self-reliance and skills for sustainable development before becoming a political reformer.
The programme was attended by various dignitaries, including members of the House of Representatives and the House of Assembly, as well as representatives from the CAC, SMEDAN, and market women.
The beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the Senator for the initiative, which they believe will have a positive impact on their lives and businesses.
The lawmaker gave each of the beneficiaries a start-up fund and a token for their transport to their various destinations.
The beneficiary institutions include Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Federal College of Education, Okene, Bayero University, Kano, Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, and Kaduna State Polytechnic.
The business carts consist of multipurpose equipment, including a clipper, barbing mirror, plexi glass frame, branded umbrella parasol, box cooler/warmer, 50 watts solar panel, 3 in1 USB charging cable, rechargeable night lamp, 36AH battery (installed), solar charge controller, dual USB charging port, triple circuit isolator/lvd, and barbing chair.
The clean cooking kiosk PRO consists of a main cooking frame with cabinet, side cooking frame, 12 watts solar charger, 6kg gas cylinder, sideboard, burner support, industrial cooking burner, grilling burner bowl, grilling burner with gas control valve and hose, oven burner with gas control valve, storage cabinet, grilling mesh, and branded umbrella parasol.
