Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has stressed the critical importance of developing Nigeria’s skills and entrepreneurial capacity, as well as promoting digital innovation, to fuel the country’s economic growth and prosperity in the 21st Century.
The governor noted that skill development, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation are key drivers of a thriving economy, and Nigeria must focus on these areas to remain competitive in a globalized world.
Governor Obaseki made this known during the 11th Student Product Exhibition at the Sir (Dr) David Osunde Centre for Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition at Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State.
The Governor said the importance of entrepreneurship and the digital economy in driving Nigeria’s future growth and development cannot be overemphasized.
He noted that the country must focus on these areas to remain competitive in the global economy.
The governor represented by the Hon. Patrick Iria Uanseru, Commissioner, Ministry of Business Trade and Cooperatives (MBTC), stressed the importance of young people acquiring skills alongside their academic degrees.
He said, “In the current global economy it is essential to have multiple sources of income to support oneself and one’s family,” and urged the youths to make the most of the training opportunities available to them to prepare for the future.
The commissioner outlined the state government’s commitment to attracting investment and making Edo State the preferred investment destination in Nigeria.
“There is a close relationship between entrepreneurship, industrialization, and economic growth, which leads to job creation and poverty reduction.
“As part of Governor Obaseki’s Make Edo Great Again (MEGA) agenda, our focus is on providing the necessary support and training for young entrepreneurs to succeed.”
Hon. Uanseru praised Igbinedion University for its commitment at ensuring that students received a well-rounded education that includes practical training in entrepreneurship.
“I must commend Igbinedion University because despite her emphasis on academic excellence, the university has not neglected to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the real world.
“This approach sets Igbinedion University apart from other institutions and equips its graduates for success,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, Igbinedion University Vice Chancellor, Professor Lawrence Ezemonye, emphasized the university’s role in promoting an entrepreneurial mindset among students and staff, saying, “this is essential for national development.
As a university, we are commitment to providing the necessary support and resources to encourage innovation and creativity.”
Prof. Ezemonye also highlighted the importance of collaboration between academia and industry to create a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Speaking further, on the university’s academic culture, Prof. Ezemonye said, “We emphasize and focus on providing students with an entrepreneurial education. This includes incorporating entrepreneurship pedagogy into all disciplines, providing mentorship and support for start-ups, and establishing incubation hubs to nurture new business ideas.
“Through these efforts, Igbinedion University aims to provide a comprehensive environment for entrepreneurship and innovation.”
Prof. Ezemonye emphasized the need for universities to adapt and innovate in order to meet the ever-changing needs of society, and praised the students for their resilience and innovative ideas, as evidenced by the products they exhibited.
The university’s commitment to providing a cutting-edge educational experience was on full display at the exhibition, and Prof. Ezemonye expressed confidence in the students’ ability to make a positive impact on the world.
In her speech, Dr. Nneka Okekearu, Director of the Enterprise Development Centre at Pan-Atlantic University, opined that investment in entrepreneurship and the digital economy is essential for stimulating creative thinking and driving economic growth.
According to her, “With the challenges and opportunities facing Nigeria’s youth, there’s the need for collaboration between universities, industry, and government to create an enabling environment for innovation.”
Dr. Okekearu also highlighted the importance of skills development and entrepreneurship training for young people.
Students from a various disciplines showcased their finished products at the event, including those from the fields of fashion (make-up and gele, as well as hair care), music, fashion designing and tailoring, technology and creativity, shoe making, and textile design.
The exhibition provided a glimpse into the students’ creative and technical abilities, as well as their entrepreneurship potential. The products on display were a testament to the university’s commitment to preparing students for the future.
