Nigerian Entrepreneurship Development Initiative
Marks Milestone; OIC International Role Is Expanded.

The Central Bank of Nigeria-sponsored entrepreneurship development initiative, launched last year to address the needs of that country’s estimated 60 million unemployed and under-employed youth, reached a key milestone last month with the graduation of more than a score of students who received diplomas and, of special significance, loan disbursements totaling more than $65,000 for use in launching their businesses, more than triple the amount disbursed earlier this year to the first group of graduates. OIC International’s role in this success was underscored with the announcement that its program area in Phase II has been expanded from the six states in the North-West sector of Nigeria’s Northern Region to encompass the entire region, which includes 19 states.

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Successful Affiliate Conference Concludes
With Reception, Tours, and Talks in Washington

The historic Unity & Impact Conference of African OICs, held in Philadelphia in late February, concluded with a day of programming in Washington. Board chairs and program directors from OIC training centers and development organizations in 15 African nations were fêted at a reception in the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. Distinguished guests from the African diplomatic community joined OIC International stakeholders and nearly a score of others from OIC network partner countries.

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Togo OIC Earns Key Training Project

OIC Togo, the first OIC International network partner to focus on agricultural training, received a boost earlier this year when it received a grant from the office of the country's prime minister to develop and lead a three-week training program for 100 representatives of agricultural cooperatives from throughout the country.

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Michael Carson Joins as Director of Programs

Michael P. Carson has joined OIC International as director of programs, bringing to his new position more than 15 years' experience in international development, gained with CHF International, Partners for Development, and Africare.

Splitting his time between OIC International's Philadelphia, PA, headquarters, and Washington, DC, Carson will report to Executive Director Molly Roth and work closely with the organization's management team.

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