The Federal Government has approved the nationwide adoption of Imo State's One Kindred, One Business Initiative (OKOBI) as a strategy to combat unemployment and stimulate economic growth. Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the decision during the 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, stated that the initiative supports financial inclusion, digital adoption, and gender inclusion, and contributes to Nigeria's Human Capital Index goals by 2030. He described entrepreneurship as a necessity for the country's youth. Governor Hope Uzodimma, represented by Deputy Governor Mrs Chinyere Ekomaro, called OKOBI a movement that fosters self-reliance and job creation at community and institutional levels. The initiative operates across three tiers: community, social groups, and student clubs. Chief Economic Adviser to the governor, Prof. Kenneth Amaeshi, said about 50% of Imo's 3.5 million working-age population is unemployed, prompting the state's grassroots intervention. He noted that over 600 OKOBI businesses have generated more than 20,000 jobs. IHS Nigeria has supported the initiative with grants, and its Director of Sustainability, Mrs Titilope Oguntuga, praised OKOBI for improving financial literacy and formalising informal businesses. The framework is also aligned with national economic recovery efforts.
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