By Amidu Arije
A 400-level student of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Hikmah Omolola Olatunji has emerged victorious among over 800 competitors that competed for the Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation’s business development competition in Lagos.
Olatunji who specialises in sales of women underwears won among other star winners a 1 million naira business start up grant to boost her business.
Hikmah Omolola Olatunji (middle) receiving her cheque
After going through rigorous stages of the competition, Olatunji and 19 others emerged winners and were handed N1milion each as start up and business growth grants.
An elated Olatunji who couldn’t hide her excitement and joy after passing through the processes successfully complemented the organisers for their thorough job in selecting the winners, promising to judiciously used the fund given to her in boosting her business.
She said; “I am grateful to the Creator for making me one of the beneficiaries of this competition. This grant will help my company achieve its objectives as mentioned in the business plan which will contribute to the growth of the business in terms of visibility and revenue.”
“My vision for my business is to have grown to become a major distributor of underwear products by this time next year.”
She appreciated the ZSF for its magnanimity in boosting individual businesses praying Almighty Allah bless them.
She said; “I appreciate every member of the ZSF. May Almighty Allah never leave everyone of you to your affairs. May this organisation continue to grow upon goodness.”
The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of ZSF, Prince Sulaiman Olagunju said the goal of the organisation has always been to helping youths grow in their various business through provision of capital seeds and mentoring for businesses.
“Our goal has always been to empower youths with not just the capital l, but also the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to succeed. Our training sessions and the mentorship platform have equipped winners with essential skills and insights guiding their entrepreneur journey.”
Prince Olagunju advised the winners of the competition to judiciously utilised the funds giving to them, noting that the grant is a trust which they must used for the purpose it is meant for.
“The winners on the idea track, the seed capital you are receiving today is the first step in a long and rewarding journey. The real challenge lie ahead, turning these business ideas into thriving enterprises that will contribute to our economy, create jobs, and inspire others to follow in your footsteps.”
He continued; “to our winners on the growth track, you know what it takes to get additional fund injected, kindly use thebfund you are receiving here today wisely to take your business to the next level.”
Another winner, Habeeb Isa who specialises in bee hives assured the organisers of channeling the fund into boosting his business as he appreciated the gesture.
Isa said the grant came as a surprise to him though he was determined to win the grant but never thought he could get that much. He prayed God bless the ZSF for their kind gesture for his business growth.
Isa who said he has been manually making his bees will now be able to go mechanical as the fund will be used to purchase modern tools in bee hives keeping.
