By Ewere Okonta, PhD
08037383019
eob.org.ng
In a remarkable demonstration of his commitment to youth empowerment and entrepreneurship, the President and Founder of the D-Peterson Foundation, Dr. Donald Peterson, has donated the sum of ₦2.2 million as seed capital to 22 graduates of Blessed Needle Fashion Academy, Agbor, Delta State.
The gesture took place yesterday at the Cocokalina Event Centre, Agbor, during the graduation ceremony of the fashion academy, where Dr. Peterson served as the Special Guest of Honour.
In what became one of the defining moments of the ceremony, Dr. Peterson, during his brief remarks, invited a staff member of Zenith Bank Plc to the podium and handed over ₦2.2 million, directing the banker to open 22 separate bank accounts for the graduating students, with each beneficiary receiving ₦100,000 as startup capital.
He further encouraged well-meaning individuals, organisations and potential supporters to make additional deposits into the newly created business accounts to strengthen the graduates' entrepreneurial capacity and provide the financial support needed to establish and grow their respective fashion businesses.
Explaining the motivation behind the gesture, the renowned philanthropist and youth development advocate said he was particularly impressed by the potentials he saw in the young graduates and the opportunities ahead of them in the fashion industry.
"As a lover of the youths, I saw potentials, I saw dreams, and I saw international fashion designers matching out. But for you to remain at the top of your craft, you need to be more disciplined, as that is one of the virtues that will make you remain relevant," he stated.
Dr. Peterson also commended the Chief Executive Officer of Blessed Needle Fashion Academy for the impartation, dedication and quality of training invested in the graduates, noting that empowering young people with practical skills is an important step towards economic independence and sustainable development.
His intervention was particularly significant as it went beyond the usual congratulatory speeches and goodwill messages associated with graduation ceremonies. Rather than merely celebrating the achievements of the graduates, he provided them with tangible financial support to begin translating their newly acquired skills into viable businesses.
The ceremony also enjoyed royal presence with the attendance of Chief Peter Idion, the Adolor Dein of the ancient Agbor Kingdom, whose presence added colour, dignity and traditional significance to the occasion.
In a related development, Dr. Peterson made a brief stopover at a gathering organised by the Alisimie Able Youth, where he engaged the youths on the importance of political participation and community development.
Addressing the gathering, he canvassed support for all All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the forthcoming general election, urging the youths to make informed political choices that would advance meaningful progress and development in their community.
His message centred on the need for young people to recognise the connection between responsible political participation, effective leadership and the future of their communities.
Through the D-Peterson Foundation, Dr. Peterson has consistently championed philanthropy, empowerment, entrepreneurship and mentorship, with particular emphasis on creating opportunities for young people to become economically productive and self-reliant.
The ₦2.2 million intervention at Blessed Needle Fashion Academy further reinforces this commitment, demonstrating that skills acquisition becomes more impactful when complemented by access to startup capital, mentorship and opportunities for business growth.
For the 22 graduates, the ceremony was therefore more than an occasion to receive certificates and celebrate the successful completion of their training. It was also the beginning of a new entrepreneurial journey, backed by an unexpected financial lifeline and a strong reminder that with discipline, determination and the right support, their dreams of becoming successful fashion entrepreneurs can become reality.
Dr Ewere Okonta is the CEO of EOB Media, a family-values advocate, teacher and writer. He writes from the Department of Business Administration, University of Delta, Agbor.
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