By Bolaji Okunola
The All Progressives Congress (APC), through its youth wing, is set to host the inaugural Enterprise-Skills Development Training (EDET) programme, which will be launched by the party’s national chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and others.
The intensive entrepreneurship skills training is designed to support both aspiring and existing business owners, and is scheduled for between July 8 and 12, 2024, as part of its four-year strategic plan to drive youth self-sufficiency and promote social justice among young people.
According to a statement from the APC’s national youth leader, Dr. Dayo Israel, the first progressive enterprise-skills development training programme would host over 1,000 live participants, and more than 3,000 virtual participants from across Nigeria over the five-day period.
The programme includes lectures, case studies, team exercises, and coaching from experienced entrepreneurs. Participants will engage in case discussions, experience sharing, and teamwork to develop a comprehensive understanding of what is required to build and sustain new businesses and drive successful innovations, whether within established firms or new SME ventures.
The programme’s content spans multiple industries, including the freelance economy, fast-moving consumer goods, e-commerce, mini-importation, consumer packaged goods, agriculture, media and entertainment, ICT, hospitality, professional services, and logistics.
\“This initiative is dedicated to fostering the development of young leaders and entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Through various initiatives and training programmes, the APC youth wing aims to empower the youth with the skills and knowledge required to contribute positively to the nation’s economy and development.
“The EDET Programme aims to provide participants with a comprehensive toolkit that extends beyond ideation, offering proven techniques for starting,
scaling, and innovating businesses of all sizes. Participants will learn to think like entrepreneurs and act like innovators, gaining critical skills for success across various industries. The programme also includes in-depth fireside chats with successful entrepreneurs, founders, start-ups, and established venture capitalists.
“A highlight of the programme is a pitch competition offering seed funding of $5,000 for the winner and $3,000 for the runner-up.
The EDET programme follows the success of the “I am employable” workplace readiness and employability skills training programme held from June 4 to June 7, 2024. This event featured distinguished personalities, including Mrs. Olufolake Abdulrasaq, wife of the Governor of Kwara State; Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, APC National Chairman; Senator Ajibola Basiru, APC National Secretary; Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, Minister of Steel Development; Mr. Seyi Tinubu, the first son of the Federal Republic; Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Minister of Youth Development; Mr. Ayodele Olawande, Minister of State for Youth; Bello Muhammad Gornyo, Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation; and Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA),” he stated.