Businessman and philanthropist Alhaji Seidu Agongo has urged Ghanaian youth to turn their talents into sustainable livelihoods through hard work, determination and commitment, as he begins a nationwide initiative to distribute 10,000 free sewing machines to vulnerable women and young people.

Speaking on Wednesday during the presentation of the first batch of sewing machines, Agongo said talent alone was not enough to achieve success, insisting that young people must be prepared to invest their time, energy and dedication in developing their abilities.

“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.

According to him, young Ghanaians possess considerable talent and creativity but often lack the resources and opportunities needed to transform their abilities into viable businesses and sustainable sources of income.

“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,” Agongo added.

The initiative, being implemented in partnership with the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), seeks to equip women and young people with the tools needed to establish or expand tailoring and dressmaking businesses.

More than 800 sewing machines were distributed during the first phase, with subsequent presentations expected to follow as the nationwide exercise progresses towards its target of 10,000 machines.

Interested applicants are required to complete a form available on Agongo’s social media platforms to be considered for the free machines.

Agongo urges beneficiaries to make donations count

The businessman, who founded the now-collapsed Heritage Bank Limited, urged beneficiaries to use the machines productively to improve their economic circumstances and create opportunities for others.

He said the initiative was rooted in his belief that people should support one another, particularly those facing financial difficulties or struggling to establish themselves.

“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.”

Agongo described the distribution exercise as part of his broader commitment to giving back to society and helping vulnerable people become economically independent.

He expressed hope that beneficiaries would use the machines to generate income, improve their living conditions and extend similar support to others within their communities.

“At the end, we will be better and God and Ghana will be the winner,” he added.

Sewing machines expected to support small businesses

The donation is the latest in a series of interventions by Agongo aimed at supporting women, young people and vulnerable groups through skills development, education, entrepreneurship and humanitarian assistance.

Beneficiaries at the presentation welcomed the donation, saying the machines would help them establish small businesses, earn sustainable incomes and reduce their dependence on others.

For aspiring tailors and dressmakers who lack the capital to purchase equipment, access to a sewing machine can remove one of the initial barriers to starting a business. However, the long-term impact of the programme will depend on beneficiaries' ability to secure customers, obtain materials, price their services competitively and manage their earnings.

The nationwide distribution is expected to continue in phases until all 10,000 sewing machines have been handed over to selected beneficiaries across the country.

EA