By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
The Dapo Abiodun Youth Forum (DAYF) has empowered 200 youths with ₦100,000 cash grants each, totaling ₦20 million, at its End-of-the-Year Party and Business Exhibition, Season 6, held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.
The empowerment programme, aimed at promoting youth entrepreneurship and economic independence, attracted over 2,000 applicants who participated in an online selection exercise. From the pool of applicants, successful candidates were shortlisted and invited to physically showcase their business ideas and practical skills to confirm their level of skill acquisition before final selection.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of DAYF, Rasheed Aroboto, expressed deep appreciation to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, for his consistent support for youth development across the state.
Aroboto disclosed that the sum of ₦20 million was disbursed as cash grants to 200 beneficiaries as part of DAYF’s ongoing youth empowerment initiative. He noted that the programme is designed to support young entrepreneurs, artisans, and small-scale business owners to strengthen their trades and improve their livelihoods.
“Today’s empowerment is another demonstration of our commitment to youth development. Governor Dapo Abiodun has continued to prioritize the welfare and empowerment of young people, and we are grateful for his unwavering support,” Aroboto said.
He advised beneficiaries to make judicious use of the financial support to expand their businesses, improve their skills, and achieve economic self-reliance, stressing that the grant was meant to serve as a foundation for growth rather than consumption.
At the event, beneficiaries were formally presented with cheques as part of the empowerment ceremony, amidst cheers and celebrations.
Dignitaries present included Dennis Ogunnaike, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Youth Innovation and ICT; Hon. Aderele Michael; Hon. Banwo Babangida, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, Hon Malik Soneye; and other notable personalities from across the state.
The DAYF chairman highlighted that for five consecutive years, the forum has remained consistent in empowering youths across Ogun State. According to him, thousands of young people have benefited from past empowerment programmes, receiving items such as grinding machines, motorcycles, hairdressing dryers, stabilizers, clippers, generators, sewing machines, ovens, and other tools to support their trades.
The event concluded with a business exhibition where beneficiaries showcased their products and services, reinforcing DAYF’s commitment to sustainable youth empowerment and economic development in Ogun State.
