BY SUNDAY EGEDE
Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, today, charged youths in the country to acquire skills and financial literacy that would enable them to become self-employed instead of searching for white-collar jobs.
Governor Oborevwori gave the charge at the Niger Delta Viewpoint (NDVP) – Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Conference 2024 with the theme “Financial Literacy And Skill Acquisition – A Journey To Self Actualisation” organised by Kudimata Nigeria Ltd in Asaba.
The governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon Johnson Erijo, said the acquisition of skills in various fields was a sure avenue for self-development and empowerment, calling on young people to emulate successful entrepreneurs by starting their businesses.
According to him, ‘’the time has come to wean our people, especially the youths, from sole dependence on government for the provision of all human capital development mechanism, especially through white collar jobs’’.
He noted that the training of youths and women in self-actualising knowledge and skills to make them economically independent was a most welcome development.
While saying that the government alone cannot employ everybody, the governor pointed out that it has become necessary to train people in various areas where they can become entrepreneurs, grow their businesses and become employers of labour.
He said the state government, has in the past few years, trained thousands of youths in skills acquisition in various fields and empowered them to start their chosen businesses.
The governor who applauded Kudimata Nigeria Ltd for organising the NDVP – SMEs Conference, said he was happy that the conference would train participants in financial literacy.
Welcoming participants earlier, Founder and Group Managing Director of Kudimata Nigeria Limited, Mrs Kathleen Erhimu said after working for over 40 years in the financial world it became imperative to work for herself while creating value for others.
Lead Speaker and Founder of House of Tara, Mrs Tara Fela-Durotoye in her presentation, harped on the importance of relationship, reputation and resilience in the business world.
On his part, Mudiaga Enajemo, CEO of Mudi Africa, said he built his brand for over 30 years with talent and self-confidence and urged Nigerian youths to build on their talent by undergoing the requisite training needed to grow their businesses.
Frank Onosigho, a lawyer who spoke on legal basics for entrepreneurs, said businesses must be registered through the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and build trust and relationships for excellence and sustainability in business.
At the ceremony, Kudimata and Prudential Energy presented cheques worth N500,000 each to 50 beneficiaries to start up their businesses.
