Enugu Government Vows to Encourage Entrepreneurial Development
The Enugu State Government has reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi-led administration to supporting entrepreneurial development in the state.
The government said it had packaged several programmes that would benefit small scale industrialist especially this period of economic meltdown. This came as no fewer than 50 Young Entrepreneurs running kiosks and small businesses in Enugu State benefited from a one day launch of Pan African Youth Entrepreneur Development, PAYED, Programme organised by TechnoServe in collaboration with Citi Foundation at Oakland Hotel and Suites, Enugu.
The Pan African Youth Entrepreneur Development Programme was designed to train entrepreneurial youths who are Mom and Pop Shop owners, managers and employees on new business and financial management skills that can be directly applied to expand new or current shops while building transferable skill sets among youth for enduring employability.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Small and Medium Enterprise and Investment Promotion, Mr. Anayo Agu said: "the Beauty of what we do here is that it doesn't matter where you come from, your political affiliation or faith, if you are interested in entrepreneurial development, the state is available and ready to support. The governor few weeks ago said he has made the services available to anyone that is available, and willing to make a living and create value in the state. We didn't just make a statement, we are working the talk."
He went further to assure organisers of the programme of their readiness in providing advisory support to the benefactors till the end of the training.
The Project Coordinator, Mrs. Chinwe Owhorji said, the PAYED programme is a one-year entrepreneurship project that will train 300 entrepreneurs who are owners or managers of small retail shops on business and financial management skills, and will provide tailored advisory support.
According to her, the project is broken down into two phases, the training phase and the aftercare phase.
Speaking on the objectives of the training, Owhorji, said, "the training of youth entrepreneurs and on record keeping, inventory management, marketing, pricing, sourcing, customer service and merchandising. Components of the training will also include access to credit facilities and budgeting. There will be training on product needs assessment, importance of networking, technology use and personal effectiveness, to equip the Youth beneficiaries with a positive attitude and sense of control over their business and their future.
Earlier in his opening remark, the country director, TechnoServe, Nigeria, Mr. Larry Umunna encouraged the benefactors to make use of the opportunity given to them and better their lives. He equally appreciated the governor of the State for his support towards entrepreneurial development in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the benefactors, Mrs. Rita Okoronkwo appreciated the organisers of the programme and the state governor for availing them the opportunity to be trained.