Enterprise, Growth, and Opportunities (EGO) Foundation, a development organisation with the goal of reducing poverty and unemployment in Africa, has kickstarted its work skills (entrepreneurial) programme for undergraduates and fresh graduates in Nigeria.
The first of its kind at the College, the event drew hundreds of participants (students) from the school and beyond, and it was hosted at the Federal College of Education (FCE) Technical in Lagos.
Several of the participants benefited from financial opportunities provided by the organizers, scholarships into tech-related programs, free mentoring with established professionals, offers of jobs and internships, and more.
The Executive Director of the EGO Foundation, Toluwase Olaniyan, reminded the audience during his introductory remarks of the changing nature of the workplaces and the need of having the correct skill set for one’s profession.
According to him, “Thankfully, we have credible organisations and individuals who have partnered us on this project, and will provide all necessary skills and resources you need to succeed.”
The partners included Access Bank Plc, First Founders INC, Caladium Consulting Limited, WordenHCD Limited among others.
The FCE’s Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Akinola Ojelade, who spoke on behalf of the registrar of the institution, also highlighted that the occasion was opportune given the current state of the world and urged the students to learn everything they can to remain relevant after completing their academic programs.
Ayo-Bankole Akintujoye, a renowned strategist, stimulated the audience’s critical thinking during the event’s entrepreneurship and employability sessions. In addition, successful entrepreneurs David Lanre Messan and Ifreke Brendan from CreditWave Finance Limited provided strategies for navigating Nigeria’s business environment and CV writing workshops, respectively.
Head, Business Support at LSETF, Taiwo Olaniyan, who spoke on the various opportunities that Lagos State provides through the organisation, said: “These include grants, low-interest loans, and access to infrastructure.”
She encouraged the students not to feel too young to start their own businesses, noting that errors are part of the learning curve in becoming successful.
Olaniyan further outlined the kinds of proposals that often get the Trust Fund’s approval, adding: “The projects we support must show the capacity to create jobs.”
Access Bank Plc’s Head of Group Sustainability said the bank is committed to helping young people develop their entrepreneurial and employability skills so they may become self-sufficient, employable, and job creators.
Olaniyan, the Executive Director of the EGO Foundation, thanked Access Bank, the event’s headline sponsor, for its dedication to fostering a sustainable society through initiatives like this one that aim to improve young people’s skills in the nation.
This project will be carried out in the three states of Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo by a partnership between Access Bank and EGO Foundation. The initiative, which was launched today at the Federal College of Education in Akoka, will soon be implemented in the states of Ogun and Oyo.
