The Edo State Board for Technical and Vocational Education (BTVE) in collaboration with the Achievers Initiative has taken a significant stride in nurturing future entrepreneurs through the “I Am The Next Big Thing” Project, organized in Benin City.
The Project which is targeted specifically at secondary school students, aims to inspire young minds to explore their potential and contribute meaningfully to the economic and social fabric of the State.
The Executive Secretary of BTVE, Terseer Nyulaku PhD, represented by the Linkages and Partnership Officer at BTVE, Momodu Peter, commended the Achievers Initiative for its commitment to fostering entrepreneurial skills among young people. He reiterated the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and industries to equip students with the necessary skills for the modern workforce, emphasizing the alignment of the project with the State’s goals.
The CEO of Achievers Initiative, Michael Ataobor, expressed gratitude for the success of the Project, attributing it to the divine grace and the vision instilled by Rev. Dr Chris Oyakhilome, PhD. Dsc. DD. Ataobor emphasized the Project’s unique aim to empower the younger generation, acknowledging the crucial role they play in shaping the future.
The project engaged 14 secondary schools in an entrepreneurial boot camp, where students were immersed in various aspects of entrepreneurship; including pitching, business plan development, goal setting, branding, and fostering an innovative mindset. Facilitated by seasoned entrepreneurs, the boot camp provided students with practical skills and knowledge essential for entrepreneurial success.
Following rigorous training and assessments, the outstanding students were selected from each school to compete in the Grand Finale. Finalists showcased their brands, products, or services to judges, mentors, and the audience to qualify for cash prizes, sponsorship, comprehensive mentorship or support for their innovative ventures. Grants up to the tune of one million Naira were given to the winner, while the first and second runners-up received N300,000 and N150,000 respectively to start up their innovative ideas.
Edo State’s commitment to the Edo State Commissioner for Mines and Energy, Donatus Ojiefoh, on Wednesday, said the e-governance platform instituted by the state government has saved the state over N60 billion.
The use of the e-government platform was developed in 2021 and was made compulsory for all Ministries Department and Agencies on September 1, 2023, which led to the elimination of the use of paper and stationary in the system.
In an interview with journalists on Thursday, the Commissioner said that Governor Godwin Obaseki’s vision to put the state on a high pedestal led to the e-governance initiative, which has transformed the way the business of governance is conducted in the state.
He said: “If Obaseki was the governor before he was voted in, Edo State would have been one of the richest in the federation. The next governor would work hard to pursue Obaseki’s achievements. The governor is someone who understands the investment and development status of the state at the moment. empowering its youth through initiatives like “I Am The Next Big Thing” underscores its dedication to fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and shaping a prosperous future for generations to come.
