Obasanjo Foundation unveils hub to foster youth empowerment

The Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation (OOF) has unveiled Jishu Hub, an innovation and entrepreneurship centre, to foster youth empowerment.

Speaking at the unveiling of the centre in Lagos, former Presisent Olusegun Obasanjo who is the founder and chairman of the board of trustees (BoT) of the foundation, said the hub would empower youth for positive changes in Nigeria and Africa.

The former presdent was represented by his wife, Bola Obasanjo, at the event.

“Jishu Hub is evidence of our dedication to the empowerment of young people in Africa,” Obasanjo said.

“By giving them the resources and assistance, they need, we hope to help them reach their full potential and bring about constructive change across the continent.”

On his part, Olalekan Makinde, chief executive officer of the foundation, said the hub is open to all Nigerians.

Makinde said training at the centre would be free, adding that some students would be supported with  stipends for transportation.

“The hub is open to all Nigerians irrespective of where they come from,” he said.

“The recruitment process is open and usually advertised online for transparency and to give equal opportunities to applicants for possible shortlisting.

“Training at the centre is totally free, with the centre supporting some students with stipends to ease their transportation.

“On behalf of the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation, I want to express our gratitude to the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Ms. Yan Yuqing, the management of Huawei and CCECC for believing in the project and supporting us all through.”

He described the hub as “a dynamic space that aims to inspire and nurture the innovative spirit of young entrepreneurs, equipping them with the skills and resources they need to create sustainable businesses and drive economic growth”.

The centre consists of co-working spaces,  functional labs, and learning environments.