Abuja: An NGO, The Eminent Emerging Entrepreneurs Foundation (EEEF), has trained no fewer than 200 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) owners on branding, marketing, and job creation to promote inclusive economic growth. The EEEF Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Eberechi Marcus, disclosed this at the 9th Annual EEEF Summit in Abuja, highlighting the foundation’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs with practical knowledge aimed at enhancing productivity and sustainable business expansion.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Marcus emphasized the significance of training in keeping accurate records of income, expenses, assets, debtors, and creditors to identify weak areas and improve profitability, ensuring compliance with tax regulations. He noted that creating decent jobs and economic inclusion could only be achieved when entrepreneurs generate opportunities that productively engage more youths nationwide. Marcus underscored entrepreneurship as the most effective solution to unemployment and poverty reduction, especially among Nigeria’s burgeoning youth population.
The CEO also stated that EEEF had trained over 5,000 MSMEs owners through various capacity-building programs held pre and post-summit across the country. The focus of the ninth edition of the annual summit was on promoting decent jobs as a social right for every Nigerian worker. Marcus revealed plans for the foundation to collaborate with technical institutions and the World Bank to broaden the scope of MSMEs empowerment initiatives. He explained that the campaign would encourage MSMEs owners to leverage institutional support and government policies to grow their businesses and create sustainable jobs while advocating for policies that support small businesses and ensure decent job opportunities for all Nigerians.
Mrs. Helen Adigwe, Chief Executive Officer of Helenn Interior Company, stressed the importance of safeguarding policies within the MSMEs space to address workplace discrimination and promote dignity for all employees. She emphasized that entrepreneurs should prioritize providing dignified wages to employees, as fair pay promotes family stability and strengthens the economy. Adigwe, represented by Celestine Ugwu, urged business owners to foster inclusive environments where people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups can thrive.
Mrs. Lillian Okere, Human Resource Manager of ANK Construction Company, encouraged young entrepreneurs to remain passionate, consistent, and innovative in driving business growth. She highlighted the necessity of passion and commitment for business success, advising entrepreneurs to continually improve their skills to maintain competitiveness. Okere also recommended embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital tools to enhance productivity and global visibility for businesses.
Mr. Oluwaseun Ogungbe, Area Key Account Manager Northern Region at PepsiCo, asserted that entrepreneurship should contribute to economic development and social inclusion, not just focus on profit. He called on the government to establish special banks dedicated to funding youth-driven business ideas and innovations, noting that many young Nigerians have viable ideas but lack access to capital to transform them into profitable ventures. Ogungbe suggested the introduction of entrepreneurship training in tertiary institutions to prepare students for self-employment before graduation.