The OJN Foundation on Monday welcomed two remarkable young entrepreneurs, Agagwu Israel and Yahaya Sani, to its Secretariat in Lokoja. The duo, both from the eastern region of Kogi State, have turned creativity and determination into a thriving business built around a local delicacy — bean cake, fondly branded “Akala Anana”, which means “bean cake” in the Igala language.
Their visit was hosted by the Special Adviser on Youth Affairs and Student Matters, Mr. Nihi, who commended their courage to look inward and create opportunities for themselves rather than waiting for formal employment. He described their effort as a shining example of what young people can achieve when they combine vision, resilience, and innovation.
As a gesture of encouragement, Mr. Nihi purchased a pack of Akala Anana for ₦50,000 — far above its regular price of ₦3,500 — to demonstrate his personal support for their initiative. He also assured them that the OJN Foundation would partner with and support their business to ensure its sustainability and growth.
During the meeting, he offered practical advice on expanding their market reach, including introducing smaller and more affordable packs to make their product accessible to a wider audience.
Also present at the meeting were Samuel Kadiri, Senior Special Assistant on Grassroots Mobilization, and Alonge Israel Femi, Senior Special Assistant on Digital Communication.
The encounter reflects OJN Foundation’s unwavering commitment to empowering young people, promoting self-reliance, and nurturing grassroots innovation across communities. Through initiatives like this, the Foundation continues to inspire hope, creativity, and positive change among youths in Kogi State and beyond.