By Dipo Olowookere
Registration for the business start-up grants offered by the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) owned by serial businessman, Mr Tony Elumelu, has received low turnout from entrepreneurs in the northern part of Nigeria.
Lamenting about this on Monday was the Jos Branch Manager of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Mr Ezekiel Shammah, who advised youths from the region to embrace the programme.
Mr Elumelu, through his foundation, is offering $5,000 each to innovative youths in Africa to step up their businesses.
“Applications for business seed money and other services offered by TEF are abysmally low from the north, when compared with the entries from other parts of the country. Northern entrepreneurs should explore the opportunities offered by TEF,” Mr Shammah told newsmen in Jos, Plateau State.
“The foundation also provides business development programmes, training, mentoring and funding for successful entrepreneurs picked.
“It also tries to build and grow the economy of various counties in Africa and beyond,” he explained.
According to him, “the Tony Elumelu Foundation believes that the private sector holds the key to unlocking Africa’s economic potential and is committed to empowering entrepreneurs through capacity development, seed capital, mentoring and networking.”
He said the foundation had so far empowered 3,000 young entrepreneurs in Africa, and advised this year’s applicants to submit their applications before March 1.
Adedapo Adesanya 
Modupe Gbadeyanka