The Guardian of the Citizens Club, a socio-cultural organisation, has disclosed that over 70 residents of Abuja will benefit from an empowerment scheme and loan facilities to start their own businesses.
An official of the club, Mr. Akachukwu Nwankpo said that the empowerment programme will enable Nigerian citizens to contribute to the growth and development of the country, even as he said it would prevent them from indulging in evil deeds.
He blamed the current situation in the country on the inability of citizens to independently create wealth, said the growth expected can only be achieved if natural and human resources are properly harnessed.
The Guardian of the Citizens Club further explained that until Nigerians start thinking of what they can do for themselves and the country, progress won’t be achieved.
It also disclosed that the common good of the country can be achieved if citizens learn from founding fathers and football teams.
Mr. Akachukwu Nwankpo noted that the best in Nigeria can be achieved if the natural gifts of its citizens are appropriately harnessed.
Speaking on the empowerment scheme in Abuja at the induction of over 70 residents, Mr. Nwankpo said: “We are ready to give them fair access to funding, employment and enterprise alongside conditions that stimulate their enthusiasm.
“We offer enterprise opportunities, give loans and also train them on the values of the club. We empower them so that they can help themselves and, in turn, help the country.
Some of the partners of the club are First Bank Nigeria Plc and Eta Zuma Group. Residents were lectured on how to become entrepreneurs while some were taught how to make coal stove.
Nwankpo, however, noted that what stands as obstacle between Nigeria and its progress is self-inflicted.
“Some of the obstacles” he said, “are tribalism, indiscipline, corruption, selfishness and political jobbers. They blind us from the great promise of Nigeria and promote divisiveness that mess up our effort at making this rich land a successful country.
“It is time we learnt from our founding fathers and our football teams in order to harness the potential of every citizen and together pursue the prosperity of Nigeria for the happiness of all.
“The successes of our founding fathers and that of our football teams have demonstrated that we can achieve Nigeria’s greatness if we develop and mobilise the natural gifts of over 160 million Nigerians.
