During the 19th anniversary celebration of the Regina Pacis Foundation in Okpoduma village, Izzi local government area, Arc. Edward Nkwegu, the foundation’s founder, highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship for Nigerian youths to attain financial freedom and self-actualization.
Nkwegu stressed the significance of self-sustenance through entrepreneurship, addressing the challenging nature of discussions about financial independence. He emphasized the connection between self-sustenance and financial sanity, urging individuals to avoid repeating financial mistakes and expecting different outcomes.
According to Nkwegu, achieving financial stability involves understanding the interconnectedness of cause and effect, emphasizing that rendering useful service to others is vital for self-sustenance.
He expressed concerns about the lack of financial education, attributing poverty to ignorance and advocating for financial literacy as a means to combat it. Nkwegu highlighted the struggles faced by well-educated individuals who lack practical skills and experience, identifying them as a ‘lost generation.’
The Regina Pacis Foundation aims to provide a second chance at financial stability and life by imparting financial education to instill self-reliance in individuals.
Nkwegu emphasized the importance of financial knowledge, stating that words are the beginning of knowledge and financial empowerment, suggesting that simply giving money to the poor doesn’t eradicate poverty but rather upgrading their language through financial education does.
He stressed the need for curricular reform in schools, citing the proverb “Teach a man to fish, and you will feed him for life” to underscore the significance of empowering individuals with skills for sustainable livelihoods.
Nkwegu highlighted the urgent necessity for nurturing Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to create inclusive job opportunities for youths, women, and vulnerable individuals, considering MSMEs as pivotal to any economy’s growth and the primary source of employment globally.
The event also featured encouragements from Dr. Eze Emmanuel and Chief Godwin Ogbaga, advocating for youth entrepreneurship and resilience in overcoming Nigeria’s economic challenges. The celebration commenced with a Holy Mass led by Bishop Dr. Peter Chukwu from the Abakaliki Catholic Diocese.
