Ekiti State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Otunba Kayode Fasae has stressed the readiness of the Oyebanji administration to partner with Tertiary institutions in the State to enable their students key into Government’s youth empowerment programmes

Otunba Fasae who made this known during a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor of the Ekiti State University, Ado -Ekiti, Prof. Joseph Ayodele, said the initiative became imperative so as to enable students of EKSU and other tertiary institutions benefit from the youth empowerment Programmes as well as other Government programmes and policies

While highlighting the programmes of the Ministry that youths could benefit from, Fasae said the State Government in partnership with Wema Bank Plc would in the next few weeks commence training of about 100,000 artisans, youth and active citizens in financial management, trade and vocations saying that those that excel in the Programme would be empowered to start their own businesses

The Commissioner disclosed that under the proposed Ekiti State Employment Trust Fund (ETF), a start-up loan of N250million would be disbursed to support eligible Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the State when the fund becomes operational adding that at least 500 youths across the state would be granted access to loan

Otunba Fasae disclosed that Students of Ekiti origin in EKSU and other tertiary institutions in the State were eligible to register under the Labour Market Information System ( LMIS) which is an essential basis for employment for job seekers in the state stressing that a Public Private Dialogue ( PPD) would be held in March, 2025.

In his remarks, the EKSU Vice Chancellor, Prof Joseph Ayodele lauded the initiative of the Government stressing that the programmes and activities of the Ministry were in tandem with undergraduate entrepreneurship programme of the University.

He noted that acquisition of vocational skills by students would enable them become self reliant while in school and also lessen the dependence of graduates on white collar jobs.

The Vice Chancellor said that the institution is ready to collaborate with the ministry in building future leaders among those who will take full advantage of the employment and entrepreneurial opportunities available under the Government’s Empowerment programmes for youths and students