Digital community of buyers and sellers to promote made-in-Nigeria products and enhance digital entrepreneurship, especially for youths, has been inaugurated in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
i-Dreams Africa Business Hub, a digital platform to boost indigenous high quality goods and also drive entrepreneurship for economic growth, was unveiled yesterday.
The inauguration was part of the closing ceremony of Abuja Digital Entrepreneurship Drive, a five-week virtual and physical training during which no fewer than 600 people were equipped with entrepreneurial skills.
Speaking at the event, the Secretary-General, Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO, Dr Olagunji Lateef, said empowering youths to become active agents of change should be important to any nation poised to develop.
“UNESCO will, therefore, support any initiative that ensures that young people have the tools and resources needed to thrive as part of its priority areas.
“It is the only veritable way of achieving peace and development,” he said.
Lateef assured that UNESCO is also committed to amplifying the voices and perspectives of youths, supporting youth-led initiatives and projects, as well as promote inclusive and equitable opportunities for all.
Mandate Secretary for Education, Federal Capital Territory Administratio, FCTA, Dr Danladi Hayyo, who inaugurated the digital platform, said digital entrepreneurship leveraged online platforms and technologies to reach global markets.
Hayyo, represented by the Director, FCT Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Olobashola Kolawole, said digital entrepreneurship engaged online tools to create value and reach customers effectively.
According to him, entrepreneurship plays a vital role in driving innovation, creating jobs and contributing to economic growth.
In her remarks, the Director, FCT Department of Mass Education, Mrs Hajara Alayande, said digital entrepreneurship is an indispensable tool for advancing Nigeria’s economic outlook
Chief Executive Officer, i-Dreams World, Mrs Ego Philips, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on the sidelines of the event, that digital entrepreneurship is crucial for Nigeria.
She said the world is going digital and expanding; hence Nigeria should not be left behind.
“So, Nigeria needs to key in; our businesses need to come on board and our youths have to understand that going digital is more than creating a negative impression.
“From this digital platform, we can earn money; we can project Nigeria as a futuristic place by changing the narrative,” Philips said.
She said no fewer than 600 participants in Abuja Municipal and Kuje Area Councils who benefitted from Abuja Digital Entrepreneurial Drive would be integrated into the inaugurated hub.
Philips noted that the training was organised by i-Dreams World and Yali Network Nigeria. (NAN)
