The Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim Foundation, a non-profit humanitarian organization, awarded a grant of 10 million naira to small-scale entrepreneurs in Abuja as part of its Economic Empowerment Programme targeting vulnerable members of society.
Grant Details
- Each of the 200 beneficiaries received fifty thousand naira from the foundation.
- The initiative, spearheaded by former presidential candidate Mr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, aims to provide financial assistance to individuals striving to establish or sustain their small businesses.
Motivation Behind the Initiative
- Mr. Olawepo-Hashim emphasized that his philanthropic efforts are driven solely by his desire to give back to society and are unrelated to any political aspirations.
- He highlighted his longstanding commitment to social causes, dating back to his involvement in student unionism and human rights advocacy. Now as a businessman, he sees economic empowerment as a crucial avenue for societal intervention.
Continuous Support
- Mr. Olawepo-Hashim affirmed his commitment to ongoing assistance, stating that the foundation has previously conducted digital skills training for over 1,000 young people and intends to sustain such initiatives.
Testimonials
- Luka Dakwoyi, a beneficiary, praised the foundation’s generosity and urged affluent individuals to follow Mr. Olawepo-Hashim’s lead in assisting those grappling with the economic challenges in Nigeria.
- Participants at the event applauded the foundation’s non-partisan approach and encouraged other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate Mr. Olawepo-Hashim’s efforts in alleviating the plight of the less privileged.
Addressing Poverty in Nigeria
- The initiative comes at a critical time when poverty remains a pervasive issue in Nigeria. According to Statista.com, an estimated 88.4 million people in Nigeria lived in extreme poverty in 2022, with significant gender disparities.
- The Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reports an even higher figure of 133 million individuals living in poverty, underscoring the urgent need for interventions aimed at improving livelihoods and socioeconomic conditions.
Conclusion
- The Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim Foundation’s grant serves as a commendable initiative to support small-scale entrepreneurs and contribute to poverty alleviation efforts in Nigeria. Such philanthropic endeavors exemplify the importance of collective action in addressing societal challenges and fostering inclusive development.