The All Progressives Congress (APC) has kicked off a comprehensive entrepreneurship training program for over 2,000 youths in Lagos, with plans to extend the initiative to 20,000 youths nationwide.
The “Enterprise Skills Development Training (EDET)” was inaugurated by the National Youth Leader of the APC, Dayo Israel, in the presence of several prominent party members.
Among the dignitaries at the event were APC National Deputy Chairman Mr. Emma Enukwu, APC National Deputy Organising Secretary Hon. Nze Chidi Duru, former APC National Legal Adviser Babatunde Ogala SAN, Lagos APC Chairman Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, Afenifere Chieftain Hon. Wale Oshun, former Deputy Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly Hon. Tola Banjo, and Ikosi-Isheri LCDA Council Chairman Simiat Bada.
In his address to the trainees, Dayo Israel emphasized that the training program aims to enhance the entrepreneurial skills and self-reliance of the youth.
He underscored the importance of equipping young business owners with the necessary tools to succeed, stating that the essence of politics and governance is to improve the lives of citizens through skilful empowerment.
“Our role as a political party goes beyond winning elections. It includes empowering the people to contribute to the nation’s economic growth,” said Israel.
“This training program is designed to build the capacity of the next generation of entrepreneurs and business owners, helping them create sustainable businesses that will thrive beyond this generation.”
Israel explained that the training is not a political event but a developmental initiative to train future industrialists. The program covers a wide range of skills, including soft skills, business management, and entrepreneurship.
Participants will also learn about fundraising and will connect with key government agencies like the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and Bank of Industry (BOI).
He further highlighted that the trainees applied online to participate and will receive guidance on managing government policies and understanding the impact of foreign exchange.
The APC youth wing plans to link the trainees with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), offering them access to loans of up to N5 million to start their businesses.
Representing APC National Chairman Sen. Abdullahi Ganduje, National Deputy Chairman (South) Mr. Emmanuel Enuko urged the youth to look beyond traditional white-collar jobs.
He emphasized the need for skilful youths in driving socio-economic growth and development and suggested a reform of the university curriculum to align with current realities.
Ganduje expressed concerns over the misuse of university education for criminal activities and called for a shift towards farming and other skill-based professions to address food insecurity in Nigeria.
He also urged the youth to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration by focusing on skill acquisition for economic self-reliance and societal development.
The initiative marks a significant step by the APC to empower the youth and foster economic growth through entrepreneurship and skill development across Nigeria.
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