Follow Us on Google
The Nigeria-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to enterprise development, capacity building and inclusive economic participation as it graduated 167 participants from the third cohort of its Women and Youth Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (NBCC-WYEDI).
Speaking at the Cohort 3 Graduation Ceremony and 2026 MSME Tax Engagement Session, President and Chairman of Council of the NBCC, Prince Abimbola Olashore, described the event as the emergence of a new generation of entrepreneurs, innovators, skilled professionals and business leaders prepared to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic growth and transformation.
Olashore noted that the rapidly evolving economy presents both opportunities and challenges for businesses, particularly Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), making innovation, adaptability and sustainable business development increasingly important.
According to him, initiatives such as NBCC-WYEDI remain critical to the country’s broader economic aspirations, stressing that empowering women and young people is not only a social responsibility but also an economic necessity.
“The success of this initiative is a testament to the growing appetite for entrepreneurship and vocational development across Nigeria. It reinforces the importance of providing platforms that bridge knowledge gaps, encourage innovation and support enterprise creation,” he said.
He added that the blend of vocational and technology-driven skills acquired by participants positions them to compete effectively in today’s dynamic business environment.
Congratulating the graduates, Olashore urged them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the programme, noting that success would be measured not by certificates earned but by the impact they make through entrepreneurship, job creation and community development.
He also highlighted the importance of the MSME Tax Engagement Session, saying a sound understanding of taxation, compliance and regulatory frameworks is essential for sustainable business growth.
“The Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce remains committed to promoting initiatives that strengthen businesses, support entrepreneurship, encourage innovation and foster economic collaboration between Nigeria and the United Kingdom,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address, Managing Associate at Stren & Blan Partners, Mr. Marvis Oduogu, urged MSMEs to embrace tax compliance and formalise their businesses to unlock growth opportunities.
He explained that informal businesses often face limitations, including restricted access to bank loans, government contracts, grants and investor funding.
Other News
Oduogu identified Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration, obtaining a Tax Identification Number (Tax ID) and opening a dedicated business bank account as the foundational requirements for every business.
“Informality may be a starting point, but it should not be a destination,” he said, encouraging entrepreneurs to maintain proper records, file tax returns and stay informed about changes in tax regulations.
Chairperson of the NBCC MSME and WYEDI Committee, Mrs. Adeola Azeez, said the initiative was created to equip women and young people with practical skills, entrepreneurial knowledge and opportunities for economic self-reliance.
She noted that the programme has grown significantly since its launch in 2024. The first cohort attracted over 1,750 applications, producing 108 graduates, while the second cohort recorded more than 2,000 applications and graduated 140 participants.
According to her, the third cohort admitted 250 participants, with 167 successfully completing training across vocational and technology tracks.
Azeez said the programme has provided training in areas including fashion design, confectionery, shoemaking, beauty services, photography, hydroponic farming, digital marketing, UI/UX design, web development and data analytics.
She added that beyond skills acquisition, participants received mentorship, business development support, financial literacy training, access-to-finance engagements and opportunities to participate in project exhibitions and pitch competitions.
“With the graduation of Cohort 3, NBCC-WYEDI has now empowered and graduated more than 400 entrepreneurs and skilled professionals, creating a growing network of innovators, business owners and change-makers contributing to economic growth and job creation across Nigeria,” she said.
Azeez urged the graduates to continue learning, innovating and building sustainable enterprises, stressing that the future of Nigeria’s economy depends significantly on the strength and resilience of its MSMEs.
The high point of the event was presentation of prices to outstanding winners, who pitched their businesses.
