Alhaji Seidu Agongo with some beneficiaries and officials
Businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Seidu Agongo, has urged young Ghanaians to believe in their talents and pursue them with determination, saying rising from humble beginnings to success is achievable for those willing to work for it.
Speaking at the presentation of the first batch of free sewing machines under his nationwide initiative to distribute 10,000 machines to vulnerable women and youth, Mr. Agongo said Ghana is 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.”
He said many young Ghanaians possess the skills and creativity needed to compete globally but often lack opportunities and resources to develop their abilities, a gap that informed his decision to offer support whenever possible.
Partnership With NEIP
The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) to empower women and young people with employable skills and provide tools to start or expand tailoring and dressmaking businesses.
More than 800 machines were distributed in the first phase, with further distributions planned for later dates.
Agongo said the programme reflects his belief in sharing opportunities and supporting vulnerable members of society.
The founder of the defunct Heritage Bank Limited urged beneficiaries to make good use of the machines to improve their lives and create opportunities for others.
“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 commitment to giving back and helping others become self-reliant, expressing hope that beneficiaries would use the machines to advance their lives and those around them.
“At the end, we will be better and God and Ghana will be the winner,” he added.
Other Interventions
The sewing machine donation is the latest in a series of interventions by Agongo to support young people, women and vulnerable groups. Over the years, he has supported skills training, educational programmes, entrepreneurship initiatives and humanitarian causes through personal and corporate interventions.
Beneficiaries at the event welcomed the gesture, saying it would help them establish small businesses, earn sustainable incomes and reduce dependence on others. The nationwide distribution exercise is expected to continue in phases until all 10,000 sewing machines are handed over to beneficiaries across the country.
A Daily Guide Report