U.S. Consulate, FSD Academy train 121 emerging entrepreneurs in Port Harcourt

The United States Consulate General Lagos in collaboration with Field of Skills and Dreams VTE Academy has trained 121 budding entrepreneurs in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

It was the second edition of the Conference for Emerging Entrepreneurs and it took place last Wednesday.

The up-and-coming entrepreneurs, selected from across Nigeria, learned how to transform their ideas into practical business plans, manage business risks, navigate difficult moments, seek capital, and develop partnerships to help their businesses grow.

F. John Bray, United States consul general, declared the workshop open and was joined by Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Rivers State deputy governor, and Ndowa Lale, vice-chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt.

In his welcoming remarks, F. John Bray explained that one of U.S. Mission Nigeria’s primary goals was to support Nigeria’s economic development. According to him, the U.S. Department of State always supported entrepreneurs all over the world through training and mentoring, while working with governments to create enabling environments and entrepreneurial cultures.

“There is growing evidence that entrepreneurs the world over are the drivers of job growth. The United States government is firmly convinced that in addition to creating jobs and expanding economic opportunities, entrepreneurship contributes to political stability and a vibrant civil society,” Consul General Bray said.

Leading business leaders including Tonye Cole, Sahara Group co-founder; Stella Okoli, Emzor Pharmaceutical CEO; Iyin Aboyeji, Andela co-founder; a Zizi Cardow, award-winning designer, and senior executives of prominent commercial banks mentored and trained the participating young entrepreneurs.

The Conference was organised with a view to equipping the entrepreneurs with the requisite skills and entrepreneurial know-how to enhance their success in the business world. The first edition was held in Lagos in March 2017.

ODINAKA ANUDU