The City Boy Movement in Ogun State has announced plans to empower small and medium enterprises with N45m during its maiden Annual Youth Summit, which will take place on December 21, 2024.

According to a statement, the event, which will take place at the June 12 Cultural Center in Abeokuta, aims to foster youth entrepreneurship and drive economic development in the state.

The initiative will see 50 medium-scale entrepreneurs receive N500,000 each, while 100 small-scale business owners will get N200,000 each.

Further, three innovative tech ideas with social impact will secure special funding. The group has also earmarked N200,000 each for 30 market women as part of its commitment to grassroots economic empowerment.

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, is expected to attend as the Special Guest of Honour. The event will be co-hosted by Seyi Tinubu and the Personal Assistant to the President on Special Duties, Yusuf Olawale.

According to the organisers, the summit will feature panel sessions on micro, small, and medium enterprises, technology, agriculture, and the creative economy.

Key speakers include Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Wisdom, and Minister for Communication and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani.

Other notable participants are Director-General of SMEDAN, Charles Odii; Dr. Oluwatoyin Afiz of ITF; and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, Rinsola Abiola.

“The City Boy Movement is committed to creating opportunities for youth development and economic empowerment,” the organisers stated, adding that it will also award scholarships and innovation grants to students and tech innovators.

The movement has also extended its support to education by donating classroom furniture to six primary schools across Ogun’s three senatorial districts. Each school received 50 sets of tables and chairs, accommodating 900 students.