The General Overseer of Victory Life Bible Church(VLBC) International Apostle Lawrence Achudume, has reaffirmed the church’s commitment to empowering its members through entrepreneurship and business development initiatives aimed at promoting financial independence, sustainable livelihoods and economic self-reliance.
Penpushing reports that Achudume made this known in an interview while speaking on the church’s entrepreneurship empowerment initiative, which provides financial support to members with viable businesses and business ideas to enable them to strengthen, expand and sustain their enterprises.
The cleric explained that the initiative is part of the church’s deliberate effort to complement spiritual development with practical empowerment by creating opportunities for members to become productive and self-reliant.
Penpushing further reports that he explained that the programme was not simply about providing financial assistance, but about giving members the opportunity to develop their enterprises, improve their economic circumstances and build a more secure future for themselves and their families.
The Lead Pastor pointed out that entrepreneurship remained an important avenue for empowering individuals and families, stressing that the benefits could extend beyond the immediate beneficiaries through business expansion and increased economic activity.
Penpushing also reports that Achudume commended the Victory Life Bible Church Entrepreneurship Support and Development Committee (ESDC) for its commitment to implementing the initiative and ensuring that deserving beneficiaries receive the necessary support.
The renowned Nigerian Clergyman added that the church would continue to explore practical ways of helping members translate their skills, ideas and entrepreneurial aspirations into viable businesses.
Penpushing reports that Chairman of the Entrepreneurship Support and Development Committee (ESDC)Wole Elusakin in his remarks during the presentation of the business loans,said the programme had recorded encouraging results among previous beneficiaries.
The Chief Executive Officer of Pomegranate Nigeria Limited, said some beneficiaries had invested the funds in their businesses and recorded significant progress, while others had successfully repaid their loans and become sufficiently established to operate without further financial assistance.
«“I am happy to tell you that some of the people who previously benefited from this programme have invested the funds in their businesses and made significant progress. Some have fully paid back their loans, while others have grown their businesses to the extent that they no longer have the need to take additional loans.”», he said
Penpushing further reports that Elusakin explained that the progress recorded by previous beneficiaries had paved the way for new entrepreneurs to be considered under the latest phase of the intervention, and expressed appreciation to the church leadership, particularly Achudume, for supporting the initiative and providing the necessary backing for its implementation.
«“I want to especially thank our Papa, Apostle Lawrence Achudume, for his support for this project and for ensuring that people are empowered to grow their businesses in one way or another.”»
Penpushing also reports that the Chairman stressed that the financial assistance was a loan and not a grant, explaining that beneficiaries were expected to use the funds strictly for productive purposes and repay them according to the terms of the programme.
«“This is a loan, not a grant. The funds are expected to be put to productive use, and the repayment is important because it allows other people to also benefit from the programme’, Elusakin stated
Penpushing reports that he said the committee had established clear criteria for assessing prospective beneficiaries, including their business needs, the viability of their enterprises and their plans for utilising the funds.
The Pomegranate Nigeria Limited boss explained that the assessment process is designed to ensure that the financial support goes to businesses with genuine needs and realistic prospects for growth, as he encouraged members with viable businesses or business ideas to take advantage of the programme.
Penpushing further reports that Elusakin urged prospective applicants to demonstrate clearly how the financial support would contribute to the development of their enterprises, adding that interested members who meet the requirements could submit their applications through benefitonline@yahoo.com or submit hard copies at the church.
Meanwhile, under the latest intervention, the committee presented business loans running into millions of naira to selected beneficiaries with businesses across different areas.
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