The Senior Pastor of Streams of Joy International, Jerry Eze, has explained the motivation behind his decision to empower 240 Nigerian entrepreneurs with a $720,000 grant, saying the initiative was driven by faith, sacrifice, and a desire to impact lives positively.
The grant, administered under the Jerry Eze Foundation, provides $3,000 each to 240 selected beneficiaries across Nigeria, according to official programme details confirmed by organisers and partner institutions.
Speaking at the grant award ceremony, Jerry Eze said the initiative was inspired by his personal background and the values instilled in him by his late mother.
“My late mum who taught me how to give everything… it tells my story. That is why I am passionate about what I do. What is life if people don’t experience God through you? We made sacrifices for the lives of people,” he said.
He described the funds as a “seed” meant to transform lives and build sustainable businesses among young entrepreneurs.
“It is money of those who were crying. The money is a seed, if you like go and eat. Anything you are eating you will know that this is where it is coming from,” he added.
Jerry Eze also appreciated his wife for her support in executing the empowerment programme, noting that the initiative required personal and spiritual commitment.
The pastor further disclosed that the disbursement was carried out directly to beneficiaries, stating that funds were released at a specific time during the ceremony.
At the core of the initiative is a structured empowerment programme aimed at reducing unemployment and boosting entrepreneurship across agriculture, technology, and manufacturing sectors.