Engineer Nnamdi Unachukwu, chairman of Business Matters Incubators-Catch Them Young (BMI-CTY), has unveiled an initiative designed to nurture entrepreneurship among young Nigerians. Themed “Incubating African Kid Entrepreneurs for Next Generational Impact,” this program aims to tackle poverty, fraud, unemployment, and insecurity through comprehensive entrepreneurship education.
Unachukwu introduced the initiative and his first book during the launch, emphasizing his personal mantra, “Lost But Found,” symbolizing the discovery of solutions to secure the future of young Nigerians. He highlighted the need for educational reforms, particularly in rural areas, and outlined the BMI-CTY initiative, which targets children aged 7 to 14, equipping them with entrepreneurial skills and mindset.
Key Features of the BMI-CTY Initiative:
Six Senses Approach: This unique methodology includes textbooks, workbooks, decision books, video lessons, cartoon services, BMI fantasy day, practical manuals, and trainer journals to foster behavioral change, cognitive enhancement, and value integration from childhood to adolescence.
Long-Term Vision: The initiative aims to groom the next generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs over the next 10 to 15 years, focusing on creativity, motivation, and problem-solving skills.
Collaboration: Emphasizing the need for collaboration among educational institutions, government agencies, and private sector partners to support educational reforms.
Unachukwu criticized past short-term approaches and stressed the importance of sustainable strategies. He highlighted the potential impact of entrepreneurial education on economic growth, job creation, social innovation, and crime reduction.
Support and Praise for the Initiative:
Dr. Henrietta Onwuegbuzie, Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship at Lagos Business School, highlighted the importance of integrating entrepreneurial education into the curriculum and praised the BMI-CTY initiative for addressing the challenge of training educators to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset.
Babatunde Jimoh, representing the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), commended the initiative and the state government’s efforts to innovate within the educational system, including the introduction of technology curricula at the primary level.
Encouragement from Youth:
Cossy Ogboruche, a kid actor, shared her enthusiasm for the initiative, encouraging her peers to explore entrepreneurial ventures alongside their hobbies and prepare for the future despite challenging economic conditions.
The event was attended by various schools, including Glowfield International School, Early Spring School, Impacting Lives School, and Silver Sands Hall School, with students eager to explore the opportunities offered by the BMI-CTY initiative.
The BMI-CTY initiative represents a significant step towards empowering young Nigerians, fostering entrepreneurial skills, and contributing to the country’s socio-economic development.
