Speaker Abbas unveils N100m startup fund for vocational graduates

By Christiana Ekpa

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen said on Sunday that he will provide a start up capital of N100 million for graduates of vocational and skill acquisitions in his constituency in Zaria.

Speaking at the graduation of students of the Zainab Ahmed ICT/Vocational centre in Zaria as part of his second anniversary as Speaker, Abbas said the money will be used to start up all those who will pass through the centre for .

He said “we cannot train you and leave you alone. We will give you starter packs for you to start your own business. Make good use”

Speaker Abbas said “From my early days growing up on these streets, I have always believed that true progress is built in the classroom, in the skills centre, and the mind of every child and every young person determined to rise above their circumstances.

“That belief has driven every step I have taken as your Representative to widen the doors of education across our communities.

“In these past two years, we have uplifted our schools, built new institutions, created more opportunities for our farmers and traders, supported our teachers, and empowered our sons and daughters with knowledge and skills that will stand the test of time.

“In all these efforts, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) holds a special place. This is the century of digital transformation.

“It is the age in which your ideas, your creativity and your courage can travel far beyond our borders and connect you to opportunities you never imagined. Many decades ago, my only access to knowledge was through the words of my teachers and the pages of books in the library.

“Today, the world’s greatest entrepreneurs, innovators and problem solvers are no longer limited by location. They are defined by what they know, what they can do, and how they use technology to change lives. And that is what we want for you.”