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By Vivian Emoni
An NGO, The Eminent Emerging Entrepreneurs Foundation (EEEF), has trained no fewer than 200 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) owners on branding, marketing and job creation to promote inclusive economic growth.
The EEEF Chief Executive Officer, Mr Eberechi Marcus, disclosed this at the 9th Annual EEEF Summit, in Abuja.
Marcus said the training aimed to empower entrepreneurs with practical knowledge to enhance productivity and expand their businesses sustainably.
He said that the foundation also trained the MSMEs on how best to keep accurate records of income, expenses, assets, debtors, and creditors to identify weak areas and improve profitability while ensuring compliance with tax regulations.
Marcus said decent jobs and economic inclusion could only be achieved when entrepreneurs create opportunities that engage more youths productively across the country.
He emphasised that entrepreneurship remained the most effective solution to unemployment and poverty reduction, especially among Nigeria’s growing youth population.
The CEO stated that EEEF had over the years trained more than 5,000 MSMEs owners through pre-summit and post-summit capacity-building programmes nationwide.
He said the foundation’s ninth edition of annual summit focused on promoting decent jobs as a social right for every Nigerian worker.
According to him, the foundation will collaborate with technical institutions and the World Bank to expand the scope of MSMEs empowerment initiatives.
Marcus explained that the campaign would encourage MSMEs owners to leverage institutional support and government policies to grow their businesses and create sustainable jobs.
He added that the foundation would continue to advocate policies that support small businesses and ensure decent job opportunities for all Nigerians.
Marcus said the high turnout of participants at the summit showed increasing interest among MSMs owners in capacity development and business growth.
Mrs Helen Adigwe, Chief Executive Officer of Helenn Interior Company, emphasised the need to safeguard policies within the MSMEs space to address workplace discrimination and promote dignity for all employees.
Adigwe said that every entrepreneur should prioritise paying dignified wages to employees, noting that fair pay promotes family stability and strengthens the economy.
She urged business owners to create inclusive environments where people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups can thrive.
Adigwe was represented by Celestine Ugwu, a member, Helen Interior Company.
Mrs Lillian Okere, Human Resource Manager of ANK Construction Company, urged young entrepreneurs to remain passionate, consistent and innovative in driving business growth.
Okere said passion and commitment were essential for business success, adding that entrepreneurs must constantly improve their skills to remain competitive.
She advised the participants to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital tools to enhance productivity and global visibility of their businesses.
The Area Key Account Manager Northern Region, PepsiCo, Mr Oluwaseun Ogungbe, said entrepreneurship should not only focus on profit but also contribute to economic development and social inclusion.
Ogungbe called on the government to establish special banks dedicated to funding youth-driven business ideas and innovations.
He said many young Nigerians had viable ideas but lacked access to capital to transform them into profitable ventures.
Ogungbe recommended that entrepreneurship training be introduced in tertiary institutions to prepare students for self-employment before graduation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
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