Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering youth entrepreneurship and promoting sustainable business development through strategic partnerships, as part of efforts to equip young Nigerians with the skills, knowledge and opportunities needed to thrive in the business environment under the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA). This was contained in a statement signed by Christian Nwachukwu (AD) For: Director, Information and Public Relations.
The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, disclosed this at the NiYA-Cascador Founders Programme, where he highlighted the importance of providing young entrepreneurs with the necessary support, opportunities and resources to transform their business ideas into sustainable enterprises. He explained that many young Nigerians across the country have innovative ideas and are already establishing businesses to address societal challenges, but require the right support, guidance and opportunities to succeed.
Olawande noted that, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, through the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), partnered with Cascador to provide practical business support and entrepreneurial development opportunities for young Nigerians. The participants also had opportunities to engage with government agencies and acquire practical knowledge on how to establish, manage and grow their businesses.
Olawande further stressed that with the progress recorded by the participants, the training and exposure had better positioned them to expand their businesses, create employment opportunities and contribute meaningfully to national economic development.
He emphasised that the initiative would provide an opportunity for beneficiaries to strengthen their businesses, expand their operations, generate employment and create sustainable economic value, while expressing the Ministry’s expectation of seeing their enterprises grow and produce remarkable success stories.
He also commended Cascador, Sapphital, the judges, trainers and other stakeholders whose contributions facilitated the success of the programme. While calling for increased private-sector participation in youth entrepreneurship, Comrade Olawande encouraged businesses and investors to partner with young entrepreneurs, purchase their products and services, and invest in their innovative ideas. He maintained that Nigerian youths possess the creativity, resilience and capacity to achieve remarkable results when provided with the right support and opportunities.
The Minister concluded by reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment where young Nigerians can harness their talents, establish sustainable businesses, and become active contributors to Nigeria’s economic growth and national development.
END
