Delta State Govervor, Sheriff Oborevwori, Friday, charged youths in the country to acquire skills and financial literacy to become self-employed.
He gave the charge at the Niger Delta Viewpoint Small Medium Enterprises (NDVP-SME) Conference 2024 in Asaba, Delta State.
The theme of the conference was, “Financial Literacy and Skill Acquisition, A Journey To Self Actualisation”.
Oborevwori, represented by his Chief of Staff, Prince Johnson Erijo, said acquisition of skills in various fields was a sure avenue for self development and empowerment.
He called on young people to learn from and emulate successful entrepreneurs by starting businesses of their choice.
“The training of our youths and women in self actualising knowledge and skills to make them economically independent is a welcome development.
“The time has come to wean our people, especially the youths, from depending soley on government for the provision of all human capital development mechanism”, he said.
Noting that government alone cannot employ everybody, he said, “It has become necessary to train our people in various areas where they can become entrepreneurs, grow their businesses and become employers of labour.
“I am happy this programme will train our people in financial literacy. This way, Small and Medium Entrepreneurs can find their way in independently negotiating and accessing funds to grow their businesses”.
The State Government, he continued, has trained thousands of youths, male and female, in skills acquisition in various fields.
The Governor said they have also been empowered to start their chosen businesses on their own.
“We sincerely believe that the State has created a sizeable pool of entrepreneurs capable of revolutionising SMEs in the State.
“It is noteworthy that this initiative covers catering, fashion, IT, both soft and hardware, farming, manufacturing and the creative industry.
“These array of skills acquisition is capable of making participants economically self reliant.
“I urge all participants to pay serious attention and be well equipped in the knowledge of whatever area they have chosen.
“I implore the organisers to lay emphasis on mentoring. Some graduates of skill acquisition often branch off from what they have learnt”, he said.
Earlier, the Founder and Group Managing Director, Kudimata Nigeria Limited, Mrs Kathleen Erhimu, said after working in the financial sector, it became imperative to work for herself while creating value for others.
She said it provided empowerment, training and development to individuals and small-scale businesses in the interest of economic growth.
The Lead Speaker and Founder, House of Tara, Mrs. Tara Fela-Durotoye, Harped on the importance of relationship, reputation and resilience in the business world.
On his part, Mudiaga Enajemo, of Mudi Africa, said he built his brand for over 30 years with talent and self-confidence.
He urged Nigerian youths to build on their talent by undergoing 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.
He also said business should be built on trust and relationships for excellence and sustainability in business.
The Tide’s source reports that Kudimata in conjunction with Prudential Energy, presented N500,000 cheques to each of the 50 beneficiaries to start up their own businesses.