Chief of Staff to Delta Governor, Hon Johnson Erijo (middle) joined by the founder/ GMD, Kudimata Nigeria Limited, Kathleen Erhimu (right) as he makes presentation of a cheque for empowerment on behalf of Prudent Energy in collaboration with Kudimata to a beneficiary ( 2nd right) at a Small Medium Enterprises 2024 Conference in Asaba on Friday. With them are stakeholders at the event. Pix: Enarusai Bripin
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Friday, charged youths in the country to acquire skills and financial literacy that would enable them become self employed instead of searching for white collar jobs.
Governor Oborevwori gave the charge at the Niger Delta Viewpoint Small Medium Enterprises, NDVP-SME Conference 2024 with Theme: ‘Financial Literacy and Skill Acquisition, A Journey To Self Actualisation’ held in Asaba.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Prince Johnson Erijo, Governor Oborevwori said acquisition of skills in various fields was a sure avenue for self development and empowerment, calling on young people to learn from and emulate successful entrepreneurs by starting businesses of their choice.
The Governor said: “The training of our youths and women in self actualising knowledge and skills to make them economically independent is a most welcome development.
“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. Government alone cannot employ everybody.
“It has therefore 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, thereby creating opportunities for them to become employers of labour.”
He said the State government has trained thousands of youths – male female alike – in skills acquisition in various fields and empowered them to start their chosen businesses on their own.
Governor Oborevwori said; “we sincerely believe that the State has created a sizeable pool of entrepreneurs capable of revolutionising SMEs in the State. But we also know that more needs to be done.
“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. The market for your products and services are readily available.
“I implore the organisers to lay emphasis on mentoring. Some graduates of skill acquisition often branch off from what they have learnt. But serious mentoring will stave off this attitude. Please give proper attention to mentoring.”
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.
She stated that Kudimata was birthed two years ago as a hybrid educational financial service provider driven towards providing basic financial education, advisory, business support, internship, mentorship, empowerment, training and development to individuals and small-scale businesses in the interest of economic growth and long-term viability via Community (FINCOM) model.
Lead Speaker and Founder, 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 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, as well as building trust and relationships for excellence and sustainability in business.
At the ceremony, Kudimata in conjunction with Prudential Energy presented cheques worth N500,000 each to 50 beneficiaries to start up their own businesses.
