Church reaffirms commitment to entrepreneurship development

Lead cleric, Victory Life Bible Church International, Apostle Lawrence Achudume. | Credit: Victory Life Bible Church International.

The Lead Pastor of Victory Life Bible Church International, Apostle Lawrence Achudume, has reaffirmed the church’s commitment to empowering its members through entrepreneurship and business development initiatives.

Achudume stated this in a statement issued on Monday by the church’s media office, noting that the entrepreneurship empowerment programme was designed to provide practical support to members with viable businesses and business ideas.

He said the initiative was aimed at helping beneficiaries expand their businesses, achieve financial independence and build sustainable livelihoods.

According to him, the programme goes beyond providing financial assistance, as it is designed to create a sustainable system where beneficiaries can grow their businesses and create opportunities for others.

“The church recognises entrepreneurship as an important avenue for empowering individuals, creating employment opportunities and improving the economic well-being of families,” Achudume said.

He commended the Victory Life Bible Church Entrepreneurship Support and Development Committee for identifying and supporting deserving beneficiaries.

Achudume also assured members that the church would continue to explore practical ways to help them transform their skills and business ideas into sustainable enterprises.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the ESDC and Chief Executive Officer of Pomegranate Nigeria Limited, Wole Elusakin, said the initiative had recorded encouraging results among previous beneficiaries.

Speaking during the presentation of new beneficiaries, Elusakin said some previous beneficiaries had successfully invested the support received into their businesses, while others had repaid their financial commitments and no longer required additional assistance.

“I am happy to tell you that some of the people who previously benefited from this programme have invested in their businesses and made significant progress. Some have fully paid back, while others have grown their businesses to the extent that they no longer need to take additional loans,” he said.

• EandC Legal launches platform to support startup founders
• TAFTA seeks tax rebates, security for young entrepreneurs
• Pan-Atlantic programme graduates 11 women tech founders

He said the progress made by previous beneficiaries had created opportunities for new entrepreneurs to benefit from the programme.

Elusakin also commended Achudume for his support for the initiative, saying it had helped members grow their businesses.

“I want to especially thank our Papa, Apostle Lawrence Achudume, for his support for this project and for ensuring that some people are empowered to grow their businesses in one way or another,” he said.

According to him, millions of naira had already been approved for some of the newly presented beneficiaries, while additional funding would be considered after the review of relevant proposals.

He identified the beneficiaries as Stephen Temitayo of Ojulowo Tailor, Adebisi Oluwakemi, Jeremiah Alade and Mo Glow Bubbles.

Elusakin added that the initiative was not limited to financial support, as beneficiaries would also receive appropriate advisory assistance based on the proposals submitted.

“And beyond the grant, submitted proposals will be reviewed with advisory support,” he said.

He explained that the approach was intended to ensure that beneficiaries received both financial assistance and the guidance required to use the funds effectively and build sustainable businesses.

The ESDC chairman consequently encouraged members with viable business proposals to apply, assuring them that applications would be assessed based on their business prospects and potential impact.