Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development(SDGs), on Thursday ,said her office would establish an entrepreneurship skills center at the Lagos State University, to equip students with entrepreneurship skills.
Orelope-Adefulire made the pledge in Lagos, while speaking at the “Second Annual Lecture Series” of the Directorate of Skills Development and Entrepreneurship of the university.
The theme of the lecture was : “Entrepreneurship Education As A Tool for Job Creation and Economic Sustainability”.
She said that youth engagement had been identified as a critical success strategy to the effective implementation of SDGs
“Thus, we must continue to encourage and engage our youths to be at the forefront of implementing the SDGs in Nigeria.
“This can only be done by providing a platform for more digital and entrepreneurial skills as well as leadership opportunities.
“It will enable them thrive locally and guarantee decent and sustainable work for an inclusive growth and development to enhance productivity towards a seamless implementation of the SDGs in Nigeria,” Orelope-Adefulire said.
She added it was imperative to train and equip the youth with the necessary tools to attain their full potential .
Orelope-Adefulire urged the youth on their part seize the various opportunities provided for them.
“They should also utilize them optimally by taking deliberate actions that translate to productive employment for their financial security and sustainable growth and development.
“It is our hope that LASU Directorate of Skills Development and Entrepreneurship will strengthen synergies amongst state and non- state factors for proper implementation of this initiative.
“I reaffirm the commitment of my office to the achievements of the SDGs in Nigeria.
“We will continue to play our central role in the integration of SDGs into the sectoral policies and plans of the Ministries ,Departments and Agencies(MDAs),”Orelope-Adefulire said.
Dr Shefiu Muritala, Accountant- General of Lagos State, said that growth of the economy depends largely on a thriving entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Muritala said that governments and entrepreneurs had crucial roles to play in developing the system.
“Also,partnership between academia and entrepreneurs is likewise vital that is why universities needs to continuously review their curriculum and invest more in research and innovation.
“For an entrepreneur, you must identify a problem, strategy formulation, understand regulatory environment, quality control, leverage technology, understand global marketplace and continue networking, ”he said.
Dr Habeeb Sanni, Acting Director ,Directorate of Skills Development and Entrepreneurship, LASU ,said the directorate was committed to promoting entrepreneurship skills acquisition through learning from professionals.
Sanni said that the lecture would enable students to create a niche for themselves and manage their talents to their own benefits and for the country.
“There is a shortage of white collar jobs, I will advise all students to embrace skills because of their future,” he said.
