Enterprise, Growth, and Opportunities (EGO) Foundation has launched its work skills programme for undergraduates and fresh graduates.
EGO is a development organisation with the goal of reducing poverty and unemployment in Africa today
The event, held at the Federal College of Education (FCE) Technical in Lagos yesterday, was the first of its kind in the college and drew hundreds of participants from across the institution and beyond.
In the end, several of them benefitted through scholarships into tech-related programmes; free mentoring with accomplished professionals; jobs and internships offers, as well as funding opportunities provided by the organisers.
In his opening remarks, the executive director of EGO Foundation, Toluwase Olaniyan, reminded the audience of the changing world of work and why having the right skill set can make all the difference in their careers.
“Thankfully, we have credible organisations and individuals who have partnered with us on this project and will provide all necessary skills and resources you need to succeed,” he said.
These partners include; Access Bank PLC, First Founders INC, Caladium Consulting Limited, WordenHCD Limited amongst others.
The FCE’s dean of Student Affairs, Dr Akinola Ojelade, who represented the institution’s registrar, noted that, the skills acquisition event was timely due to the current realities of the world.
He charged the students to learn all that is necessary to make them relevant after their academic programmes.
The event featured both entrepreneurship and employability sessions with seasoned facilitators.
A leading strategist, Ayo-Bankole Akintujoye, stirred the audience through critical thinking, while successful entrepreneur, David Lanre Messan elaborated on strategies to navigate the business space in Nigeria. Ifreke Brendan, Head of Human Resources at CreditWave Finance Limited facilitated a CV writing workshop.
Head, Business Support at LSETF, Taiwo Olaniyan, spoke on the various opportunities that Lagos State provides through the organisation, which include; grants, low-interest loans, and access to infrastructure. She encouraged students not to feel too young to start their own businesses, noting that mistakes are sometimes necessary in order to become successful in any endeavour.
A representative of Access Corporation, disclosed that Access Bank Plc is committed to enhancing the employability as well as the entrepreneurial skills of youths to make them employable, self-reliant and job creators.
At the wrap-up of the event, Toluwase thanked the Headline sponsor, Access Bank Plc for their commitment to building a sustainable society through interventions like this, designed to upskill young people in the country.
EGO Foundation has teamed up with Access Bank to deliver this project in 3 states: Lagos, Ogun and Oyo States.
The project which flagged off yesterday in Lagos, will be moving to Ogun and Oyo States in the coming days.
