Encomium poured in as youths across Pacesetter State turned out in droves on Monday to register for the newly launched Point-of-Sales known as POS Machine and Soft Loan Empowerment Programme, marking what many have described as a historic first day in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
In a remarkable display of enthusiasm, the initiative, spearheaded by the Oyo State Government through the State Agency for Youth Development in collaboration with financial institutions (First City Monument Bank FCMB) partners, aims to tackle youth unemployment, increase economic growth by empowering young people with tools and capital to begin their own Point-of-Sale (POS) businesses.
In a statement released and made available to newsmen by the Head of Media Unit to the Chairman, Opeyemi Rasheed Socrates reiterated that the programme provides each successful applicant with a POS machine and access to a soft loan package designed to support small-scale digital financial services, particularly in underserved communities.
While speaking at the launch event, the Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Hon. Adebowale Adebayo Falana, described the turnout as a testament to the “resilience and entrepreneurial spirit” of Oyo’s youth, courtesy of His Excellency Engr. Seyi Makinde FNSE, DSc, GSSRS.
> “This initiative is not just about distributing machines or loans,” he said. “It’s about restoring dignity, building confidence, and creating a pathway to financial independence for thousands of our young people.”
He said, “The father of the youth in Pacesetter State, Engr Seyi Makinde is always optimistic in transforming the youth toward economic prosperity.
Registration centers at the state secretariat witnessed overwhelming participation across the 33 local government areas in the state, as each participant was welcomed with warmth and good rapport by the FCMB agents, having a seamless experience during the day collection and verification process.
Applicants were successfully registered by the close of Day 1, while their response towards the event was productive with inspiring quotes and a good outpouring of prayers on the State Governor, His Excellency Engr. Seyi Makinde, for putting a visionary youth at the helm of the State Agency for Youth Development.
However, the initiative is part of a broader economic empowerment strategy by the current administration, targeting youth-led enterprise development, digital inclusion, and grassroots financial access.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiary, Sarafadeen Adeola, a 25-year-old graduate said, “This is the first time I feel like my government is listening to us. With this support, I can finally start something of my own, as an entrepreneur, I ought to start from small, setting a clear goal along with a SMART objective. I’ll forever be grateful to the Oyo State government for this rare opportunity to tap into wealth creation with ease.”
Equally, FCMB officials have announced that registration will continue tomorrow till the end of this year, with verification and training sessions scheduled to follow immediately after. Beneficiaries are expected to receive their POS kits and disbursements as soon as possible.
As Oyo State takes this bold step towards youth empowerment and economic reform, Day 1 of the programme has already signaled strong public interest, widespread hope, and the beginning of a potentially transformative chapter in the lives of young entrepreneurs.
E-Signed:
Opeyemi Rasheed Socrates,
Head of Media Unit to the Chairman,
Oyo State Agency for Youth Development.
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