Ogun State Government Urges Youths To Embrace Non-oil Sector Dynamics

The Ogun State Government has urged the youths to embrace the dynamics of the non-oil sector of the economy, describing it as a path to becoming successful exporters and entrepreneurs.

This was disclosed at the opening ceremony of the 2-day mentorship programme organized by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment in Abeokuta.

Participants were drawn from the Junior Chambers International (JCI), NACCIMA Youth Entrepreneurs (NYE) and African Leaders Initiative, among others.

Declaring the workshop open, the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela, said the future belongs to only those who prepare for today, just as he noted that the youths are the drivers of innovations, custodians of technology and champions of entrepreneurship.

Sofela, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola, said the mentorship initiative was designed to equip the youths with skills and knowledge necessary for taking full advantage of the opportunities in the non-oil export sector.

He admonished them to use the platform of the training to gain understanding of global trade dynamics and export process, identify key markets for non-oil export as well as develop exportable products and services that meet international quality standards while they leverage digital platforms.

The Commissioner reiterated the commitment of the Prince Dapo Abiodun led government to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, pointing out that the Ogun State Government had put in place; policies and initiatives that promote the ease of doing business, enhance access to finance and support the development of export infrastructure.

“I sincerely urge the youths to seize the opportunities with both hands given the skills, knowledge and networks you will build over these two days which can set you on a path to becoming successful exporters and entrepreneurs.

“Ogun State is counting on you to be the change agents that will transform our economy. The future belongs to those who prepare for it today and through this initiative, we are investing in the future of Ogun and Nigeria at large,” Sofela said.

Earlier, the State Coordinator of NEPC, Mrs. Franscisca Odega, lauded the continued support and efforts of the present administration towards promoting trade, particularly the non-oil export, ensuring participants that the gains of the mentorship programme would be helpful and memorable.

PR/Femi Onasanya/Olusola Akintonde