Vice President Kashim Shettima has endorsed Imo State’s One Kindred One Business Initiative, OKOBI, as a viable national template for driving human capital development, youth empowerment, and enterprise growth.
The endorsement was delivered at the OKOBI Grant Presentation Ceremony and inauguration of the Students’ Club at Claretian University in Owerri.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice President, the Coordinator of the Human Capital Development Programme, Rukaiya El-Rufai, disclosed that the Federal Government has approved plans to scale the initiative nationwide.
She explained that the programme aligns with Nigeria’s target of ranking among the top 80 countries on the Human Capital Index by 2030, driven by sustained investments in health, education, and labour force participation.
The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, described OKOBI as a strategic effort by the administration of Hope Uzodimma to stimulate grassroots economic development.
She said the initiative is designed to promote self-reliance, job creation, and community-driven enterprise among youths and local groups.
Mr Ekomaru noted that the grants awarded under the scheme go beyond financial assistance, describing them as investments in innovation and the future of the state.
She urged beneficiaries to utilise the funds responsibly and act as ambassadors of the initiative within their communities.
Also speaking, the Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Kenneth Amaeshi, emphasised the role of collective enterprise and innovation in building resilient economies.
He commended the growing acceptance of the OKOBI model and its potential to deliver scalable solutions through shared ownership and community collaboration.
Ms El-Rufai further highlighted Nigeria’s youthful population as a key asset that must be harnessed through entrepreneurship.
“Initiatives like OKOBI encourage students to move beyond theory into practical enterprise, equipping them with skills in financial management, teamwork, and problem-solving while fostering a culture of innovation,” she said.
The event was attended by members of the Imo State Executive Council, academics, development partners, and students, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the OKOBI model offers a practical pathway to inclusive growth.
Participants also noted that expanding the initiative nationwide could significantly enhance financial inclusion, promote digital adoption, and create sustainable livelihoods across the country.
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