By Rachael Alebiosu

To honour the winners of its ProSkill Accelerator Programme, the Daramola Dynasty Foundation (DDF) has donated N1.5m in grant funding to five exceptional small business owners, empowering them to scale up their businesses and make lasting impacts in their communities.

The ProSkill Accelerator Programme was established by the DDF to address youth unemployment in Nigeria which, according to recent data, affects over 40% of young people. While many youths demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit and are full of innovative ideas, they often face challenges accessing the funding needed to grow their businesses.

“By bridging this gap,” Olanrewaju Daramola, Founder of the Foundation said at the ceremony “the gesture reaffirms its commitment to sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly in education and economic growth.”

Daramola emphasized the importance of resilience and accountability among entrepreneurs, especially in challenging economic times, maintaining, “This grant is not just about financial support; it’s about empowering you to lead with purpose and make a difference.”

According to him, “As entrepreneurs, you are the backbone of our economy. The success of your businesses will not only create jobs but also inspire others to believe in the power of innovation and hard work.

“The DDF believe in your potential, and we urge you to uphold integrity and commitment as you grow. Remember, true success is not just about personal gain but also about lifting others. As you thrive, find ways to give back to your communities. Together, we can create a ripple effect of growth and prosperity across Nigeria.

The winners shared their excitement and gratitude. Rasaq Adenike, CEO of TGS Footwear, expressed her delight: “This grant is a turning point for my business. I have always been limited by funding when producing in bulk, but with this opportunity, I can scale up my operations and reach more customers.”

Another recipient, Adewale Matthew, who owns a cassava farming business, thanked the Foundation and its partners for their generosity.

“This opportunity is a dream comes true. I encourage other young Nigerians to stay resilient and seize opportunities like this when they arise,” he said.

Vanessa Kelechi, Chief Operating Officer of DDF congratulated the winners and commended their determination.

“The selection process was rigorous, but these winners showed remarkable innovation and potential. The Daramola Dynasty Foundation is proud to support them in bringing their visions to life,” she noted.