Businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Seidu Agongo, has urged young Ghanaians to believe in their talents and pursue them with determination.
He stated that Ghana was blessed with talented young people whose potential could be unlocked with the right support, reminding them that emerging from humble backgrounds to success was not a fantasy, but an achievable reality for those willing to work for it with discipline.
“It is, however, not enough to have talent; hard work and discipline are also essential tools to success, and so I encourage all of you to back your talent and skills up with hard work,” he advised.
Partnership with NEIP
Mr Agongo gave the advice during a ceremony to present the first batch of free sewing machines under his nationwide initiative to distribute 10,000 machines to vulnerable women and youth.
The first batch saw about 800 units of the sewing machine distributed to beneficiaries.
To be considered a beneficiary, interested persons have to fill out a form available on Seidu Agongo’s social media platforms for registration.
The philanthropist is implementing the initiative in partnership with the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) to empower women and young people with employable skills and provide them with tools needed to start or expand tailoring and dressmaking businesses.
Support
Mr Agongo said the programme was also a reflection of his belief in sharing opportunities and supporting vulnerable members of society.
He described the initiative as a continuation of his long-held belief in giving back to society and helping others become self-reliant.
"We all need kindness. Whatever your situation, I will say don't despair. I want to help everyone as much as possible.
I want to live for people's happiness.
"There is room for everyone if we genuinely support each other.
I have always believed in sharing, supporting and being there for everyone whenever I can," Mr Agongo stated.
The founder of the collapsed Heritage Bank Limited encouraged the beneficiaries to put the machines to proper use, gain from them and use the skills they get to advance their lives and the lives of those around them.
The sewing machine initiative is the latest in a series of interventions by the businessman aimed at supporting young people, women and vulnerable groups.
Over the years, the businessman has supported skills training, educational programmes, entrepreneurship initiatives and humanitarian causes through various personal and corporate interventions.
The first batch of beneficiaries who were present to receive their sewing machines expressed appreciation to their benefactor for the gesture, saying it would help them learn a profession, which would go a long way to support them.
A beneficiary said though she had completed her apprenticeship as a seamstress, she had been unable to get a sewing machine; thus, what she had received would help her establish her sewing business, earn a sustainable income and reduce her dependence on others.
