As part of efforts to combat youth unemployment and spur economic growth in Ijesaland, the Mofolorunso Awomolo Foundation (MAF) has launched the Folorunso Awomolo Mentorship and Entrepreneurship (FAME) Project.
The initiative, which honors the late Pa Folorunso Awomolo, a revered industrialist and Ijesa patriot, aims to equip young entrepreneurs with vital skills, funding, and mentorship to build sustainable businesses.
The FAME Project targets Ijesa youths aged 18 to 35 will fund business proposals with preferences in Agro and Food Processing, manufacturing, hospitality, creative services, Basic Education and technology-based businesses.
Speaking at the Project Declaration Press Meeting at MAF Secretariat, Imo, Ilesa on Wednesday, Mr. Olugbenga Awomolo, Chairman of MAF’s Board of Trustees, highlighted the project’s mission to tackle unemployment with sincerity and purpose.
“The employment deficit must be addressed by both government and private sector initiatives. The FAME Project is designed to support Ijesa youth entrepreneurs through business training, competitions, grants, and mentorship,” he stated.
The project’s pilot phase will focus on Ilesa and other Ijesaland communities, with a long-term vision of expanding beyond Osun State.
Dr. Olu Olujide, President of Ilesa Business School and head of the implementing agency, stated that only legally registered businesses under Nigerian law can apply. Candidates must possess at least a secondary school education, with higher qualifications considered an advantage.
Applications open from March 10 to April 30, 2025, with selections covering all six local government areas in Ijesaland—Oriade, Obokun, Ilesa East, Ilesa West, Atakumosa East, and Atakumosa West.
Successful applicants will undergo a five-day business boot camp, background checks, and business plan assessments before receiving grants ranging from ₦250,000 to ₦3 million, with higher amounts for exceptional proposals.
The top ten business ideas will receive grants in a public ceremony featuring a memorial lecture on youth entrepreneurship, followed by a one-year mentorship and incubation program to ensure long-term success.
Interested applicants can apply for free via www.maf.org.ng/fameproject within the stipulated timeframe.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers present, the Alaa of Ila-Ijesa, Oba Adewale Ojarotade, commended the initiative, describing it as a game-changer for youth empowerment.
He emphasized that unemployment remains a pressing issue in Nigeria and praised the project’s potential to reduce crime and social vices.
“This initiative will have a ripple effect in the next three to five years, improving households and reducing issues such as drug trafficking, thuggery, and robbery. Once youths are gainfully employed, crime rates will significantly decline,” the monarch stated.
Similarly, Chief Akin Akinola, Sawe of Ilesa and Chairman of the Ijesa Elders Forum, lamented the low participation of youths in development programs and urged better information dissemination across Ijesa communities.
“Despite advertising for 230 slots, only 28 people showed up for the interview. We must encourage our youths to take advantage of opportunities like this,” he said.
The event was graced by several notable figures, including Arojo of Irojo, Oba Segun Akeju; Onimo of Imo, Oba Olaniyi Agunbiade, Bishop Timothy Olatunji of Methodist Church Nigeria, Mr Afolabi Awomolo, Mrs. Monisola Awomolo, wife of the late Pa Folorunso Awomolo, and Mrs. Remilekun Awomolo (in absentia).
With the launch of the FAME Project, Ijesaland stands at the dawn of a new era where youths will become job creators rather than job seekers. The question now remains: Will Ijesa youths seize this golden opportunity?
Register now by visiting www.maf.org.ng/fameproject or make ENQUIRIES by Visiting Ilesa Business School in person or use the following contacts:
ijesafameproject@gmail.com;
contact@ibs.edu.ng
08021395784, 09153423776, 07085088627 (WhatsApp Only)
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