Owerri (Nigeria): The Federal Government has approved a nationwide scale-up of the ‘One Kindred, One Business Initiative’ (OKOBI) of Imo Government as a strategy to tackle unemployment and boost the country’s economy.
Vice President Kashim Shettima announced this during Tuesday’s launch of the OKOBI Students’ Club at Claretian University of Nigeria, Maryland, Nekede near Owerri.
Shettima, represented by Mrs Rukaiya El-Rufai from the Office of the Vice President, emphasised that entrepreneurship had become a necessity in the country rather than an option for the growing youth population.
He said the initiative strongly aligns with national priorities. He added that it supports financial inclusion by encouraging savings, investment, and access to finance.
He noted it promotes digital adoption as businesses can leverage technology for growth.
The vice president further said that OKOBI advances gender inclusion and support for vulnerable groups, ensuring no one is left behind.
Additionally, he noted that by focusing on collective action and assisting communities and students in transitioning from job seekers to job creators, the initiative would improve Nigeria’s global Human Capital Index ranking by 2030.
Responding to the vice president’s remarks, Gov. Hope Uzodimma reiterated the State Government’s commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and community-driven development.
“This initiative is a movement to stimulate economic growth at universities and in communities.
Through it, we foster self-reliance, create jobs, and strengthen the state’s socio-economic fabric,” Uzodimma said.
He said the State invests in the future and in ideas, not merely distributing funds.
He urged members of the students’ club to utilise the platform for the execution of their “conceived ideas that would transform into impactful ventures”.
Echoing this emphasis on grassroots impact, the Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Prof. Kenneth Amaeshi, noted that “OKOBI is an attempt by the government to address unemployment from the grassroots”.
He said that Imo, with a population of about five million and a high literacy rate, was a victim of its success, following the migration of eligible workers to other states in search of jobs.
He stated, “About 50 per cent of the 3.5 million eligible working-age population in Imo State are currently unemployed, signifying a significant employment challenge.”
He added that, under this initiative, more than 600 businesses have so far created over 20,000 jobs in Imo State, based on official program records.
The governor’s aide, who explained that OKOBI is implemented in three categories, namely the community, social groups, and student club levels, urged individuals and communities nationwide to adopt the grassroots economic development.
He commended IHS Nigeria for endorsing the initiative by donating the grants awarded to the beneficiaries.
Amaeshi also expressed delight at the Federal Government’s adoption of the initiative as a national strategy for grassroots economic development.
Mrs Titilope Oguntuga, IHS Nigeria’s Director of Sustainability, said the initiative empowers communities and strengthens local economies.
“It is being recognised nationally for helping informal businesses open bank accounts and improve financial literacy,” Oguntuga said.
She said the OKOBI framework aligned with national recovery efforts, calling it a shared vision for reducing risk and building progress.
“We believe that when communities are equipped with the right tools and opportunities, they can transform their own future,” she said.
On his part, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Rev. Fr. Wence Made, said the initiative would address the shortage in skills, trades and ingenuity in the state.
Made, represented by Rev. Fr. John Ezenwankwo, lauded Uzodimma for the “well-thought-out programme” and for selecting the university as a beneficiary of the initiative.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of N9.5 million IHS grants to seven deserving multipurpose cooperative societies to support their community-driven businesses.
