The National Directorate of Employment has concluded a one-week entrepreneurship training for 253 youths in Ekiti State, aimed at helping them start and manage successful small businesses. The programme, held in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area, was part of ongoing efforts to tackle unemployment through practical business education.
Participants were exposed to key areas such as business planning, financial management, opportunity identification, and enterprise growth. The sessions were handled by business development professionals who provided hands-on guidance to help the trainees convert their ideas into profitable ventures.
Speaking at the opening session, the Director General of NDE, Silas Ali Agara, represented by the State Coordinator, Orelusi Michael Omoniyi, said the initiative was created to build self-reliant young entrepreneurs and reduce the rate of joblessness in the country. He described youth entrepreneurship as essential to inclusive growth and sustainable development.
A consultant from Femiboyede Consulting Limited, Femi Boyede, praised the participants for their active involvement throughout the training, emphasizing that continuous learning and innovation are key ingredients for lasting business success.
Some of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the NDE and the facilitators for the initiative, saying it had opened their eyes to new business possibilities.
They also appealed to the agency to support them with tools and startup kits to help them put their training into practice.
