The Federal Government has approved the nationwide expansion of the One Kindred, One Business Initiative (OKOBI), a community-based entrepreneurship model developed by the Imo State Government, as part of efforts to address unemployment and stimulate economic growth.
Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the approval at the launch of the OKOBI Students’ Club at Claretian University of Nigeria in Nekede, near Owerri. He described the initiative as a strategic intervention aligned with the Federal Government’s broader economic priorities, particularly in job creation, financial inclusion, and youth empowerment.
Represented by Mrs Rukaiya El-Rufai of the Office of the Vice President, Shettima stated that entrepreneurship is no longer optional for Nigeria’s growing youth population. “Let me emphasise that this initiative aligns strongly with our broader national priorities,” he said, noting that OKOBI supports savings culture, investment opportunities, and access to finance. He added that it also encourages digital adoption, enabling small businesses to leverage technology for scalability.
According to the Vice President, the initiative is structured to promote inclusivity, with a deliberate focus on women and vulnerable groups. He noted that its community-driven approach could contribute significantly to improving Nigeria’s Human Capital Index ranking by 2030, as it encourages a shift from job seeking to job creation.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma reiterated the state’s commitment to grassroots economic development through innovation and entrepreneurship. Represented by his deputy, Mrs Chinyere Ekomaro, the governor described OKOBI as “not just a policy; it is a movement” designed to strengthen economic activity at both institutional and community levels.
“By doing so, we are fostering self-reliance, creating employment opportunities, and strengthening the socio-economic fabric of the state,” he said, adding that the government’s approach goes beyond funding to investing in ideas and long-term economic sustainability. He urged students participating in the initiative to translate their concepts into viable ventures capable of generating impact.
Providing further insight into the programme, the Chief Economic Adviser to the governor, Kenneth Amaeshi, said OKOBI was designed to tackle unemployment from the grassroots. He highlighted that despite Imo’s high literacy rate and population of about five million, the state faces a significant employment gap due to outward migration.
“About 50 per cent of the 3.5 million eligible working class are unemployed in the state,” Amaeshi said. He disclosed that more than 600 businesses established under the initiative have collectively created over 20,000 jobs, demonstrating its scalability and impact.
He explained that the initiative operates across three segments: community groups, social organisations, and student clusters, making it adaptable for replication across other states. He called on stakeholders nationwide to adopt the model as a sustainable framework for local economic development.
Private sector support has also played a role in the programme’s expansion. IHS Nigeria endorsed the initiative by providing grants to beneficiaries. The company, a subsidiary of IHS Towers, is one of Nigeria’s leading independent telecommunications infrastructure providers.
Mrs Titilope Oguntuga, Director of Sustainability at IHS Nigeria, said the initiative reflects a strong commitment to empowering communities and nurturing a new generation of entrepreneurs. “It is being recognised nationally for helping informal businesses open bank accounts and improve financial literacy,” she said.
Oguntuga noted that the OKOBI framework aligns with national economic recovery strategies by reducing risks associated with small businesses and promoting shared prosperity. “We believe that when communities are equipped with the right tools and opportunities, they can transform their own future,” she added.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Rev. Fr. Wence Made, represented by Rev. Fr. John Ezenwankwo, commended the initiative, describing it as a timely response to skills shortages and declining interest in vocational trades. He also acknowledged the state government’s decision to include the institution as a beneficiary.
A major highlight of the event was the disbursement of N9.5 million in grants from IHS Nigeria to seven multipurpose cooperative societies, aimed at strengthening community-driven enterprises under the OKOBI framework.
