The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) and Oriki Global & Synergy Limited have signed an agreement that is set to transform the wellness entrepreneurship landscape in Nigeria.
The $85,000 grant from USADF and Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), with technical support from Diamond Development Initiatives (DDI), will enable Oriki to establish a spa & wellness entrepreneurship hub, providing essential economic empowerment and skill improvement opportunities for wellness entrepreneurs.
Oriki Group, a conglomerate that includes a multi-channel wellness spa with eight locations and a globally sold farm-to-skin retail product range, has been at the forefront of enhancing human capital in Nigeria by offering vocational, technical, and entrepreneurship training to youths.
Joycee Awosika, CEO of Oriki Group, expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are delighted to partner with the U.S. African Development Foundation and the Lagos State Government to create an ecosystem where wellness entrepreneurs can thrive.
“This spa & wellness entrepreneurship hub will not only stimulate economic growth but also promote the well-being of our communities.”
Before endorsing the agreement documents, Travis Adkins, the President and CEO of USADF, expressed his appreciation for the initiative, and said, “The most positive thing to do is to hope for the success of the initiative; the most powerful thing to do is to pray for the success of this initiative; but the most practical thing to do is to invest in this initiative. On this note, I sign the document.”
Mr Adkins averred that USADF was proud to support Oriki Global in its mission to empower wellness entrepreneurs in Nigeria as the partnership aligns with USADF’s commitment to fostering economic development and entrepreneurship in African communities.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by several prominent dignitaries, including the Political and Economic Section Chief of the United States Consulate General, Lagos, Mr. Michael Ervin, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Lagos State, Hon. Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, LSETF board members and other distinguished guests.
In her remarks, the Acting Executive Secretary of LSETF, Omolara Adewumi, re-emphasized the Lagos State Government’s dedication to job creation in line with the overarching goal of the state.
“LSETF is committed to fostering opportunities for Lagosians to turn their entrepreneurial aspirations into reality,” she emphasized, underscoring that the collaboration with Oriki and USADF marks a substantial stride towards the actualization of this vision.
Also speaking at the event, Adamu Garba, Executive Director of DDI, emphasized the importance of local support, saying: “DDI is honoured to provide technical assistance in partnership with USADF to facilitate the success of Oriki’s spa & wellness entrepreneurship hub.”
He stated that the initiative would undoubtedly create a positive impact on the wellness sector.
