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Ben Chiobi, the Special Adviser on security to Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, has implored Nigerian youth to refrain from embracing the ‘japa syndrome‘ and to actively explore the wealth of opportunities within the nation.
According to him, there are more opportunities to generate income in Nigeria, especially in the southeast region, than in Western countries.
Chiobi spoke in Awka, the state capital at the 2023 edition of The Pivot Conference, themed: ‘From Challenges to Opportunities: Unveiling the Potentials in South-East Nigeria through Social Innovation.’
Encouraging the youth, he advised them to actively seek out mentorship opportunities, emphasising that success in the ICT era hinges on being a disruptor rather than a mimic.
Expressing disappointment, Precious Obimdi, the CEO of Selecom LTD and a resource person, voiced concerns about how the Nigerian system is geared towards hindering the success of emerging entrepreneurs in their ventures.
He pointed out that collaborating with governments, agencies, and larger organisations is a means of sustaining operations and leaving a significant imprint on the well-being of individuals.
‘Although doing business in Southeast is challenging due to insecurity and other vices, but one can explore and discover what is not working, and turn same into a thriving global venture,’ he added.
Tochukwu Nwokediuko, an expert in banking, pointed out that in Nigeria, a staggering 65 percent of businesses face significant challenges in surviving their initial three years, primarily due to issues related to funding and credit accessibility, inadequate planning, and a lack of financial literacy among entrepreneurs.
He placed strong emphasis on the value of partnership and collaboration, underscoring that the capacity to recognise and include these components will be instrumental in defining the success of future businesses.
Technology expert Fred Agbata, who also serves as the Managing Director of Anambra State ICT Agency, contributed to the discussion by underscoring the myriad opportunities within the ICT sector. He firmly asserted that without an innovative approach, teamwork, and strategic partnerships, attaining business success would be an uphill battle.
Speaking on ‘Fostering Youth-led Impact Entrepreneurship As A Catalyst For Growth,” Regional Coordinator, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Engr. Mrs. Chito Onuzulike said SMEs were a crucial component of the economy.’
She pointed out that in the country, three essential elements of entrepreneurship—mindset, action, and process—are critical for conducting business successfully.
The Executive Director of Pivot, Barr Ifedi Eze, decried the fact that the Eastern region has grappled with socioeconomic challenges over the past half-decade, resulting in negative consequences on economic indicators.
