By Chris Chimezie
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Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has appealed to the Bank of Industry (BoI) to continue to assist young Nigerians in their business ventures so as to reduce over-reliance on white collar jobs.

Akeredolu made the appeal  when an indigene of the state, Mr Oladimeji Olatunde showcased an award plaque and the symbolic cheque of N500,000 cash prize he won at a competition to the governor.

Olatunde won the maiden edition of the National Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) on the merit of his product “Tubi Refuse Bags“, produced from recycled polythene material which won him the Award of Excellence in Manufacturing.

Governor Akeredolu  admonished young entrepreneurs to endeavour to stabilise the business that brought them fame before venturing into other businesses.

“Before you shift focus to other ventures, stabilise this first. You can put it into automation. You don’t abandon what brought you to fame.

“For you to excel, there is need for you to be committed and dedicate time to this very initiative that has brought you to limelight”, he advised.

The Governor appealed to  the Management of the Bank of Industry (BoI) not to relax in its support for the young entrepreneur in a bid to expand his production capacity towards meeting the demands of customers.

The Award winner said his journey to stardom started during the launch of the Federal Government SMSEs Policy Thrust in 2017 by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in Akure.

He recalled how the Vice President visited the over three hundred exhibition stands mounted by local operators within the SMSEs sub-sector.

Olatunde explained that his nylon recycling initiative attracted the attention of the Vice President who invited him to the national competition on SMSEs in Abuja.

He was accompanied on the visit to the Governor by the State Manager of Bank of Industry (BoI), Mr Raymond Adenuga, his father, Mr Tunji Olatunde, and his mentor, Mr Kunle Ayoade.

While expressing gratitude to the Akeredolu-led administration for the support given to him during the competition in Abuja, he promised that he would not rest on his oars, adding that he would abide by the Governor’s advice.

Receiving the Award-winner with Governor Akeredolu were Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Gbenga Ale.