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Tag: entrepreneurship

  • Students challenged on entrepreneurship, others

    Students challenged on entrepreneurship, others

    By Temitayo Seidu

    The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Union Affairs – Tertiary Education, has marked this year’s International Students’ Day with a charge for students to embrace entrepreneurship for them to be relevant in today’s world.

    With the theme: “Empowering students as agents of innovation and change,” the event had in attendance students and student leaders from tertiary institutions from across the state.

    Speaking on the occasion, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Students’ Union Affairs, Hon. Kappo Olawale Samuel, said International Students’ Day was historic and that it marked the struggle of students for better welfare.

    “This is a day celebrated globally to recognise students and the need to prepare them for the future.

    We know that the society is changing rapidly and there is need for our youths to be ready for what would make them be able to compete globally. We brought Prof. Olufemi Obayori to deliver a lecture on entrepreneurship.

    “For the participants to take maximum advantage of the occasion, we brought some aides of the governor such as the SSA on Wealth Creation, SSA on Technical Education and others to also let the students know how they can benefit from the various programmes of the Lagos State government. These programmes are to make our students future ready. Moreover, they don’t need to wait until they graduate before they begin to start out as entrepreneurs,” he said.

    Olawale commended students and their leaders from within the state for their enthusiasm to learn from the resource persons brought to the event.

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    The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hon. Tolani Sule, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Adeniran Kasali, said the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration is ready to make youths in the state fully prepared for the future and is pursuing a number of programmes and policies to make that happen.

    The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Scholarship Board, Hon. Adaranijo Rasheedat, said the Board would not relent efforts at supporting students to make learning easier for them.

    The Head of the Student Support Department of the ministry, Mrs Ibidapo-Obe Olubunmi, said the future is not abstract, as it is being shaped, refined and defined by actions being taken today.

    The Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, represented by the Dean of Students Affairs, Dr Abatan Fatai, urged the students to see the need to prepare for the future.

    Obayori who spoke on social entrepreneurship, said it was different from neoliberal entrepreneurship that focuses on rapacious acquisition of wealth.

    He added that social entrepreneurship is rooted on social responsibility, solidarity and collective well being and urged students to go for it.

  • Nigerian creators harness AI to power future of digital entrepreneurship

    Nigerian creators harness AI to power future of digital entrepreneurship

    Nigeria’s top young creators are embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a game-changer for building sustainable careers in the digital economy. 

    This growing shift was spotlighted at “What’s Tea?”, an exclusive event hosted by Google and Handle It Africa, where over 40 influential Gen Z creators gathered to explore how AI tools like Gemini can transform creative passion into thriving businesses.

    Backed by new Google Search data, the event underscored a cultural and economic transition among Nigeria’s youth. 

    Queries such as “how to start creating content” and “how to start freelancing with no experience” are trending as top career-related searches. At the same time, interest in AI is soaring, with searches for “how to learn AI” jumping by 160% and “how to make money with AI” increasing by 40% over the past year.

    At the Lagos workshop, leading creators including Korty EO, Layi Wasabi, Gilmore, and Legendary Ben took part in hands-on sessions with Gemini. 

    The sessions showed how AI can simplify time-intensive tasks such as research, scriptwriting, and brainstorming, giving creators more room to focus on high-value work.

    “We’re seeing this incredible ambition in the search data, and our goal is to provide the tools that turn that ambition into achievement,” said Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google’s Communications and PR Manager for West Africa. “Gen Z creators are not just shaping culture; they are building the future of Nigeria’s media landscape.”

    For Olufemi Oguntamu, Founder of Handle It Africa, the partnership with Google is about fueling entrepreneurship within the creative industry. 

    “These young talents are entrepreneurs building brands from the ground up. ‘What’s Tea?’ provided a platform to equip them with the next level of digital tools,” he said.

    Creators themselves affirmed the impact of AI. Comedian and content creator Layi Wasabi noted, “In this industry, your creativity is your product, but your efficiency is your business. Using AI like Gemini helps speed up brainstorming and research, so I can produce more high-quality content.”

    By linking rising digital ambitions with practical AI applications, the “What’s Tea?” event reflected a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s creator economy—where technology, creativity, and entrepreneurship converge to define the future of work.

  • Focus on entrepreneurship, says council chair

    Focus on entrepreneurship, says council chair

    Youth have been urged to focus on initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, job creation and sustainable development.

    Chair of Apapa Local Government, Idowu Senbanjo, spoke at at the inaugural Apapa Youth Summit; Youth Ownership of the Community: Exploring Potentials for Economic  Development and Environmental Sustainability.’

    Opening the summit, Senbanjo said: “As young people, you are the driving force behind innovation, creativity and progress in our community. Your energy, ideas and passion are crucial in shaping the future of Apapa. It is imperative that we employ that we empower you with the skills, resources and opportunities to take ownership of your community and contribute to its development.”

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    Mrs. Remi Odunsi (Lead Consultant, Eridancity), who spoke on ‘Future Ready Youth: Driving Ownership, Collaboration and Economic Empowerment in Our Communities’ hinged her intervention on three pillars; ‘’Ownership of community project,  economic empowerment and collaboration across youth groups.’

    “ The future of any nation is defined by the strength, vision and character of its youth. In Apapa, our location at the heart of Nigeria’s economy makes this even urgent. The world has changed. Today, opportunities are not limited to oil or roadside trading. The digital economy, creative industries, recycling, logistics, fashion, food systems and technology offer avenues for young people to thrive. We must shift from survival hustling to sustainable enterprises.

    “The dignity of labour must be restored and alternative income streams embraced,” said Odunsi.

    Keynote Speaker, Dr. Ade Dosunmu (former DG, NIMASA) spoke on: ‘Unlocking Blue Economic Opportunities for Youth Empowerment.’  Mrs.  Ikeadi Ajayi ( Senior trainer,  Leventis Foundation) harped on; ‘Youth Empowerment through Agriculture;  Opportunities and Prospects’ among other resource persons who covered various other segments.

    This summit aligns with national initiatives aimed at promoting youth development and empowerment.

  • Lagos begins entrepreneurship training for youths

    Lagos begins entrepreneurship training for youths

    Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment last Thursday launched a new entrepreneurship training initiative targeted at youths residing in blighted and underserved areas of the state. The initiative, which marked the commencement of the pilot phase of the programme, was held at the Alimosho Local Government Secretariat.   

    It is part of the mandate of the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment to tackle youth unemployment and foster inclusive economic growth.

    The Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe emphasized the urgency of addressing the opportunity gap and restoring hope to marginalised communities that have long been overlooked in mainstream development conversations.

    According to the Commissioner, the programme is strategically designed to equip young people in these communities with practical vocational skills, entrepreneurship development, digital literacy, and access to finance and mentorship.

    He said:  “We believe that true development must be inclusive. This initiative is not just about training; it is about transformation, empowering young people with the tools to thrive and become change agents within their communities.”

    He added that the programme is a core component of the Lagos State Government’s broader agenda for inclusive economic development and social transformation, aligning with Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s commitment topeople-centred administration.

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    Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Olayinka Adebayo Wasiu reaffirmed the present administration’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, job creation, and sustainable development.

    He noted that the initiative demonstrates the government’s resolve to extend meaningful opportunities to areas that are often underrepresented in economic advancement.

     “Our youths represent the heartbeat of our future, and we are intentional about investing in their potential,” Esv. Olayinka said. “Through this training programme, we aim to unlock new pathways to prosperity by equipping our young people with relevant skills and entrepreneurial mindsets that can lift them and their families out of poverty.”

    The Permanent Secretary reaffirmed that the Ministry is committed not only to training but also to building strong linkages between the trainees and market opportunities through business incubation support, mentorship frameworks, and funding access.

    He encouraged beneficiaries to take full advantage of the resources provided and become role models of resilience and innovation within their respective communities.

    In his goodwill message, Chairman of Alimosho Local Government, Akinpelu Johnson lauded the Ministry for bringing the pilot phase of the initiative to Alimosho, the largest local government area in Lagos.

    He stated that the programme is set to reach thousands of young people through free vocational training, startup support, business incubation services, and job placement opportunities.

    Hon. Akinpelu expressed his full support for the initiative and emphasized its significance to the economic and social fabric of Alimosho. He also pledged to replicate and expand the programme within the council in order to capture more beneficiaries across various communities.

    “We still have a large number of youths, men, and women in need of government intervention. This initiative is a welcome development, and we commend Hon. Ajigbotafe for his forward-thinking vision in fostering a more self-reliant society, regardless of gender, tribe, or religion,” he said.

  • Entrepreneurship development is key to unlock Nigeria’s potential  – Habeeb Okunola

    Entrepreneurship development is key to unlock Nigeria’s potential  – Habeeb Okunola

    High Chief (Dr) Habeeb Olalekan Okunola MON, OFR, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of TILT Group, has called upon the Nigerian government to prioritize investment in youth development and entrepreneurship mentorship programs. 

    He emphasized the need for a business-friendly climate as a crucial catalyst for Nigeria’s progress, particularly at a time when the nation is undergoing significant reforms across key sectors. 

    His remarks came during the convocation ceremony of the City University in Maison de l’Amérique latine, Bd Saint-Germain, Paris, France, today the 14th of February, 2025, where he was honoured with an Honorary Professional Doctorate Degree in Business Management with (specialization in Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management) (Honoris Causa).

    While accepting his award from the President of City University, Dr Alaric Naude, Okunola highlighted the vital role of entrepreneurship in driving the development of Africa. 

    He praised the government for its initiatives aimed at reforming the Nigerian economy and laying the groundwork necessary for sustainable growth. He pointed out that the nation’s future prosperity heavily relies on its youthful population, who are the leaders of tomorrow. 

    Okunola noted that the recent increase of the so-called “Japa Syndrome,” a phenomenon where talented individuals leave Nigeria for better opportunities abroad, serves as a critical wake-up call for the government. 

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    He urged officials to create an appealing environment that enables the country’s most talented individuals to thrive, thus attracting peers who have sought opportunities abroad to return and contribute to Nigeria’s development which serves as a critical key to unlocking potentials and developing Nigeria.

    He stated, “If the government can invest more in young entrepreneurs by establishing an enabling, tax-friendly environment and providing incentives, it will motivate them to launch businesses that capitalize on our population. This approach will also nurture innovative minds, leading to a more dynamic economy.”

    Okunola further elaborated, “To elevate Nigeria’s economy to unprecedented heights, the government must simplify the processes involved in doing business and actively invest in our youth. This will not only enhance the nation’s image but also attract foreign direct investment, which is essential for reducing unemployment rates significantly.”

    As a staunch advocate for youth empowerment, Okunola is committed to supporting government initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship. 

    He also made a clarion call on well-meaning Nigerians to contribute to the quota by supporting the government as the development of youth should not be left to the government alone. 

    He mentioned the establishment of startup funds specifically designed to assist aspiring young entrepreneurs in overcoming the challenges of the competitive business landscape. 

    He aims to provide mentorship and guidance that will enable them to navigate the complexities of the market successfully.

    He expressed his gratitude towards the Vice Chancellor of City University for recognizing his contributions and honouring him with an honorary Doctorate. 

    Looking ahead, Okunola pledged to continue his commitment to promoting business development and entrepreneurial ventures across Africa, and he announced plans to launch his holding company by July this year, further solidifying his dedication to fostering economic growth in the region.

  • Nwosu advocates entrepreneurship, education as pillars of sustainable development

    Nwosu advocates entrepreneurship, education as pillars of sustainable development

    The Chief Operating Officer of Zomax Properties Limited, Prince Uzo Nwosu, has emphasised that entrepreneurship and education remain crucial tools for driving sustainable development in Nigeria.

    He made this assertion in Lagos on Wednesday while receiving the Global Entrepreneurship Award from the Centre for Leadership and Creative Entrepreneurs in Africa Ltd/GTE (CELCE-AFRICA). 

    The recognition honoured his contributions to youth entrepreneurial development across the country.

    The award ceremony, held at Rockview Hotel Conference Center in Festac Town, was part of a forum organized by CELCE-AFRICA to commemorate the United Nations International Day for Education. 

    The event celebrated innovation and leadership that advance entrepreneurial initiatives among young Nigerians.

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    In his acceptance speech, Prince Nwosu Jnr reiterated the transformative power of education in fostering economic growth and social change.

    “This award is not just a personal achievement; it is a recognition of the collective efforts of all those who believe in the transformative power of entrepreneurship and education. Together, we can create opportunities that will shape the future of Nigeria,” he said.

    Ambassador Kingsley Enwelim Nwanze, Director General/CEO of CELCE-AFRICA, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and fostering innovation across Africa. 

    He highlighted the theme of this year’s celebration—”Artificial Intelligence and Education: Preserving the Human Agency in Automation”—which underscores the balance between technological advancement and human creativity.

    The event brought together government officials, business leaders, educators, and youth advocates, all united in promoting entrepreneurship and education as key drivers of sustainable development. 

    Secondary school students from Amuwo Odofin federal constituency were also present to gain insights from industry achievers.

  • Ighele, Aboyeji urge churches to champion entrepreneurship, drive industrialisation

    Ighele, Aboyeji urge churches to champion entrepreneurship, drive industrialisation

    The church has been called upon to play a more deliberate role in fostering entrepreneurship and providing funding for industrialisation to bridge the financial gap in making entrepreneurial ventures attractive to a larger population of Christians.

    This call was made by Bishop Charles Ighele, General Superintendent of Holy Spirit Mission (Happy Family), during his keynote address at the 2024 End-of-Year Forum organised by the Association of Christian Correspondents of Nigeria (ACCoN). The event, themed “The Church: Entrepreneurship and Innovation for a Prosperous Nigeria,” was held at Vineyard Christian Ministries, Lagos.

    Bishop Ighele emphasised the importance of the church actively dispatching its members into sectors that drive nation-building. He also encouraged church leaders to spearhead initiatives promoting agripreneurship.

    “The church must lead the charge in creating a prosperous Nigeria by empowering its members to engage in entrepreneurship and innovation,” he said.

    Highlighting the need for collaboration between the church and government, Ighele urged policymakers to focus on human development while leveraging Nigeria’s comparative advantage in agriculture. He revealed that the Holy Spirit Mission’s Institute of Entrepreneurship and Skills Development would commence operations in 2025 to deepen entrepreneurial skills among Christians.

    Also speaking, Rev. Sam Aboyeji, General Overseer of Foursquare Gospel Church Nigeria, who served as the Father of the Day, underscored the church’s critical role in national development.

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    “The church influences development through teachings and outreach that promote spiritual, social, and economic growth,” he said.

    Aboyeji highlighted initiatives such as the establishment of schools, hospitals, vocational centers, and ICT training programs—many offered free of charge—as ways the church has supported entrepreneurship and youth empowerment.

    He further noted, “The church, as the salt of the earth brings preservation and hope to the nation. As the light of the world, it points society toward peace, prosperity, and progress.”

    Adeola Ogunlade, President of ACCoN, emphasised the church’s role as a catalyst for sustainable development, urging it to create practical solutions to address youth unemployment.

    “Faith fuels innovation. The church must leverage its teachings to bridge the unemployment gap through entrepreneurship,” he said.

    The forum also featured a robust panel discussion with speakers, including Rev. Carol Ighele, Apostle Julius Opasola, and other church leaders and media experts. They deliberated extensively on the church’s role in human capital development and nation-building.

    The event provided a platform for meaningful conversations on how the church can advance Nigeria’s development through entrepreneurship and innovation, reaffirming its pivotal role in creating a prosperous society.

  • Governor pledges support for innovation, entrepreneurship

    Governor pledges support for innovation, entrepreneurship

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has reiterated his administration’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, to promote the state’s values and secure a prosperous future for its people.

    Oyebanji, who said the state had the potential to be the leading light in innovation, added that his government in the last two years had initiated programmes that would help youths to discover themselves, especially in the technology space.

    He said this while declaring open a three-day 2024 Ekiti Innovation Summit and Festival in Ado-Ekiti.

    The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro, said the government was targeting a situation whereby a brighter future for the younger generation would be guaranteed through creative and other innovative ways.

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    He said: “As we are gathered here today, we acknowledge the tremendous potential of our youths, who are the driving force behind Ekiti’s innovation ecosystem.’’

    Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Digital Economy, Seun Fakuade, said the summit became necessary to foster innovation and ensure the sustainable development of the state.

    He added that through the dedication of the governor, the state’s technology hub was increased from the initial two to four centres in Ado-Ekiti.

    Fakuade said: “Ekiti is the only state as of today that has a Federal Government approved special economic zone that focuses on innovation and services.’’

  • TEF entrepreneurship beneficiaries ready

    TEF entrepreneurship beneficiaries ready

    The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), a philanthropy empowering African entrepreneurs will tomorrow announce 1,200 African entrepreneurs across 54 African countries as beneficiaries of its flagship Entrepreneurship Programme. The announcement will be made today,  Friday March 22 in Lagos. The new beneficiaries will become the 10th cohort of the 10-year-long TEF Entrepreneurship Programme.

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     TEF has consistently demonstrated its belief in the potential of young Africans to transform the African continent.

    This conviction has led to its transformative impact – thousands of young men and women entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries have been empowered through its flagship Entrepreneurship Programme.

  • Priotise entrepreneurship to curb unemployment, scholar tells FG

    Priotise entrepreneurship to curb unemployment, scholar tells FG

    The Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State, Dr. Taofeek Abdul- Hameed, has charged government at all levels to prioritise entrepreneurship development to curb unemployment among Nigerians.

    He said entrepreneurship programme is important and key to nation building, particularly at this crucial time that there is high rate of unemployment in the country.

    Speaking at the national workshop on the reviewed Enterpreneurship and Skill  Development Curricula for Enterpreneurship Educators in Nigerian Polytechnic and similar Institutions, Abdul-Hameed stated that for Nigeria to come out of the problem, there is the need for all students, public servant and people to acquire entrepreneurial skills which government must prioritise.

    According to him: “The country can still be at par with advance nations if we are well committed to skill acquisition, more intervention and close monitoring from government should a barometer to know how far the nation has gone in terms of skill acquisition and economic development.”

    The workshop with the theme: ‘New Approach to Entrepreneurship Curricula Delivery’ was organised by National Board For Technical Education (NBTE) at the Federal Cooperative College, Eleyele, Ibadan.

    He said the essence of the workshop was to look into ways to encourage  participants on the need to promote enterprenuership development scheme in the institutions.

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    “There is the need for everyone to be entrepreneurial to employ others, it is the only way out of the economy problems facing the country. When you go to advanced climes, all is not about getting government job, it is about being creative and innovative and acquiring necessary skills that will propel the nation to greater heights.

    “That is what we need and that is what the National Board for Technical Education (NABTE) in conjunction with Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) are doing for those of us in technical education.

    “Presently, virtually all the institutions at the University and polytechnic levels are trying to find  a way of engaging their students in entrepreneurial activities, which is the way out. It is not about paper qualifications, there are so many paper qualifications today like Bsc, HND, Msc, PHD and others.”

    “Of what benefits are these qualifications to our economy without skill acquisition? We are not disabusing the minds of the people from acquiring certificate but it is not all about the certificate alone, but skill acquisition which is the the way out for Nigeria.”