Seidu Agongo tells youth to match talent with hard work as 10,000 sewing machine drive begins

Businessman and philanthropist Alhaji Seidu Agongo has urged young Ghanaians to believe in their talents and pursue them with determination, saying emerging from humble backgrounds to success is not a fantasy but an achievable reality for those willing to work for it. Speaking on Wednesday after the presentation of the first batch of free sewing machines under his nationwide initiative to distribute 10,000 machines to vulnerable women and youth, Agongo said Ghana was blessed with talented young people whose potential could be unlocked with the right support. “You should not be shy about your talents, no. Once it is a genuine talent, pursue it and commit your energy, your heart and your time to them,” he said. “Breakthroughs are not miracles you only see in movies or read about in books. They are real, but they must be backed by hard work, commitment and a goal.” According to him, many young Ghanaians possess the skills and creativity needed to compete on the global stage, but often lack the opportunities and resources to develop their abilities. This, he said informed his decision to always offer support whenever possible, with the hope that beneficiaries will capitalise on the opportunities to improve upon their lives. Partnership with NEIP Agongo is implementing the initiative in partnership with the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) to empower women and young people with employable skills and provide them with tools needed to start or expand tailoring and dressmaking businesses. More than 800 units were distributed during the first phase with others planned for later dates. Interested persons have to fill a form available on Seidu Agongo’s social media platforms to stand the chance of qualifying for a free machine. Agongo said the programme was also a reflection of his belief in sharing opportunities and supporting vulnerable members of society. The founder of the collapsed Heritage Bank Limited told beneficiaries to make good use of the machines to improve their lives and create opportunities for others around them. “We all need kindness. Whatever your situation, I will say don’t despair. I want to help everyone as much as possible. I want to live by people’s happiness,” he said. “There is room for everyone if we genuinely support each other. I have always believed in sharing, supporting and being there for everyone whenever I can.” He described the initiative as a continuation of his long-held belief in giving back to society and helping others become self-reliant. He further expressed the hope that beneficiaries will put the machines to proper use, gain from them and use the little they get to advance their lives and the lives of those around them. “At the end, we will be better and God and Ghana will be the winner,” he added. Other initiatives The sewing machines donation is the latest in a series of interventions by Agongo aimed at supporting young people, women and vulnerable groups. Over the years, the businessman has supported skills training, educational programmes, entrepreneurship initiatives and humanitarian causes through various personal and corporate interventions. Beneficiaries at the event welcomed the donation, saying it would help them establish small businesses, earn sustainable incomes and reduce their dependence on others. The nationwide distribution exercise is expected to continue in phases until all 10,000 sewing machines have been handed over to beneficiaries across the country.