INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY: LASG EMPOWERS YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
The Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development has organised an Amplifier Business Clinic to empower young entrepreneurs in the State.
Speaking at the event to commemorate the Y2024 International Youth Day held on Wednesday at Alausa, the State Commissioner, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende stated that the programme was designed to equip young entrepreneurs in the State with relevant skills and knowledge that will help them boost their business.
He said, “This Business Development Training and Grant Contest is designed to equip you with the necessary tools, knowledge and resources to transform your business ideas into successful, sustainable enterprises that will not only benefit you personally but also contribute to the broader economic development of our society”.
According to him, the State Government, in a bid to demonstrate its investment in youth had decided to set aside a grant of Ten Million Naira (#10,000,000.00) to be awarded to eight deserving business owners who must have successfully participated in the Pitch Contest slated for the end of the training.
Similarly, Permanent Secretary, Pharm (Mrs) Oke-Osanyintolu said that the Amplifier Business Clinic was a comprehensive platform to equip young entrepreneurs with essential financial and business management skills, entrepreneurial strategies, marketing techniques, funding opportunities and valuable networking connections for adapting to the ever-evolving business environment.
“This Clinic is not a one-time event. It is a continuous initiative that offers access to adequate mentorship and coaching by professionals from various fields. This is in line with the THEMES Plus Development Agenda designed to ensure that no one is left behind which will significantly contribute to youth employment and economic growth in Lagos State”, Oke-Osanyintolu added.
In his remarks, the Lead Consultant, Pelse Consult, Mr. Boboye Adeniji Oluwafemi disclosed that 350 persons applied for the training programme out of which 79 persons from different businesses were selected.
The facilitators, Mr. Osarume Akenzua, a Life Coach and Mr. Abiodun Akala, a Youth Development Expert, took the participants on topics like “Entrepreneurship DNA”, “The Art of Storytelling for Business Growth”, “Leadership Development for Business Growth”, “Financial Management/Budgeting and Pricing”, and “Legal and Regulatory Compliance for a Sustainable Business Growth” which involved question and answer sessions.