AJAYI CROWTHER STUDENTS URGED TO EMBRACE ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMMES
Group Chairman of Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, Dr Akin Ogunbiyi, has encouraged young Nigerians to engage in entrepreneurship programmes, adding that it will unleash the sparks of genius in them.
Ogunbiyi said the pull and connectivity of entrepreneurship, innovation, creativity and adaptability will deliver a sustainable, globally competitive and thriving national economy that is strong and resilient.
Speaking on the theme, ‘Entrepreneurship for Economic Sustainability: An agenda for Nigeria’s Development,’ on Wednesday at Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Ogunbiyi urged the Federal Government to encourage support the entrepreneurial culture, which he says, fosters the confluence of skills that differentiate values.
He noted that seven percent of Nigerians go to our higher institutions for specialisation in much-needed higher skills, saying: “If our country must lead with innovation and entrepreneurship, we need to pay attention to this very expensive deficit.
“Growth enhancement by way of higher skills upgrade will definitely push forward our determination for dynamic and rapid performance.”
Ogunbiyi, the former gubernatorial candidate, said to be successful as an entrepreneur, one must stimulate thinking and clarify directions in order to determine priorities, survive and flourish with less.
He said government at all levels and the private sector must urgently check this adverse blow on Nigeria’s talent skills and entrepreneurship capacity.
“We however, have cheering news. African Development Bank (AFDB) is establishing $100 million Youth Investment Bank in Nigeria to support the businesses of entrepreneurial Nigerian youths with technical assistance business incubation grants and also guarantee lending instruments by local banks.
“Entrepreneurship will ensure dynamic and rapid performance. The fruit, will be valued diversification and an enhanced utilization of the nation’s natural resources and talent pool.
“Value chains will complement each other and there will be accelerated value-adding specialization based on comparative advantage. Our nation will no longer be a demand centre that is literally importing everything, but a powerhouse of agro-related finished products. There will be skill-upgrades and human capacity development. We will satisfy local needs and also earn foreign exchange.
“We have the entrepreneurial capacity in Nigeria. Today, we are doing extremely well in fintech and other technological, digital and creative enterprises. But the ‘JAPA’ syndrome or massive exodus of young Nigerians to Europe, USA and other places is dealing a debilitating blow on our entrepreneurial talents especially the tech professionals.
“We however, have cheering news. African Development Bank (AFDB) is establishing $100 million Youth Investment Bank in Nigeria to support the businesses of entrepreneurial Nigerian youths with technical assistance business incubation grants and also guarantee lending instruments by local banks.”
He also revealed that Nollywood is the second-largest employer of labour in Nigeria after agriculture saying “This is a remarkable feat, considering the country’s struggle with unemployment.”
He said the industry’s very significant impact on unemployment can be seen in various ways which. Include job creation where Nollywood provides opportunities for actors, producers, directors, and other crew members to showcase their talents and earn a living.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Timothy Adebayo said It is their practice as a University that keeps established traditions to host special public lecture which is a means of creating practical knowledge from the vantage viewpoint of an accomplished and knowledgeable achiever who has an impressive professional reputation.
He said entrepreneurship is recommended not just as an aid for taking individuals out of penury but also as a viable means of achieving economic sustainability on a national scale.
