By correspondent.
Sen.Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Local Content, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has empowered members of the National Association of Ebira Students (NAES) from ten tertiary institutions nationwide with multipurpose business carts,with Business Carts, Free CAC,Registration In 10 Institutions nationwide.
At a ceremony in Ihima on Saturday, the Distinguished Senator also launched a programme to offer free Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration to 2,500 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in her district.
According to her, the initiative reflects her ongoing commitment to driving innovation in governance and positively impacting the lives of Kogi Central students in higher education across the country.
She said the free CAC registration is to allows the affected students and other business owners to officially register their businesses at no cost.
Our correspondent reports that the business carts are aimed at promoting self-reliance and entrepreneurship among students.
They are also to provide the beneficiaries with the necessary tools and resources to start and grow successful businesses, to reduce dependency on government support as well as alleviating societal burdens.
The programme, which would have cost N11,000 per registration, was fully funded by the lawmaker, totaling N27,500,000 for all 2,500 SMEs.
Senator Natasha,also a social entrepreneur and advocate for sustainable development, emphasized the importance of understanding the business ecosystem and having legal registration as a foundation for accessing benefits and opportunities.
The senator also provided start-up funds and transport allowances to beneficiaries. CAC FCT Zonal Office representative, Mr. Bello Muftahu Esq, who praised the initiative, noting its significance in providing legal recognition for businesses and facilitating access to grants and loans.
The participating institutions include; Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja; Kogi State University, Anyigba; Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara; Federal College of Education, Okene; Bayero University, Kano; Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa; and Kaduna State Polytechnic.
The business kits distributed include multipurpose carts equipped with a clipper, barbing mirror, plexi glass frame, branded umbrella parasol, box cooler/warmer, a 50-watt solar panel, and other essential tools.
The Senator also provided clean cooking kiosk, featuring a comprehensive cooking setup with gas cylinders, industrial burners, and solar-powered components as part of her initiative to better the lot of her constituents.
Highlight of the occasion was the registration of businesses by the students on the spot with certificates issued to them.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
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