22 empowered entrepreneurs pose with Seplat Energy and Conversation for Change teams at the 2022 Youth Entrepreneurship Programme held in Abuja.
The event had the entrepreneurs unveil their business plans
following the 2022 C4C Global Entrepreneurship Fellowship Programme, and was
held at the Lux Terra Leadership and Training Centre, Abuja.
The empowered entrepreneurs and their area of businesses
are: Oluyemi Oyinleye (Café business); Pauline Musa (Catering); Maryam Musa (Spices); Mary
Oteikwu (Fish drying); Justin Agbo (Fashion); Joseph Agu (Fashion); Chizoba
Okolo (Fashion/fabric sales); Adebola Olamide Greatness (Fashion); Regina Etuka
(Fashion); Blessing Gabriel (Bag making); Princess Esther Samuel (Shoe making);
and Emmanuel Ogwuche (Footwear).
Others are: Nancy Otokina (Confectionaries); Adeola Samuel
(Confectionaries); Gladys Emuh; (Agro processing); Patience Sunday (Palm oil
production); Brume Aina (Herbal skincare); Bright Bello (Salon & Spa);
Ogechi Iwuanyanwu (Plants & Flowers); Olufunbi Akinyemi (Gift curator);
Benedict Gabriel (Photography); and Stephen Ahor (Laundry services).
The beneficiaries from the programmes have been equipped to
begin their business empires, which are expected to grow and flourish as well
as provide support to not just them and their families, but also for
communities, countries and indeed the world.
C4C is a non-profit organisation with a major objective of
empowering young people to participate more effectively in all relevant areas
of development.
Efforts are focused on young people aged 18-40, in the
belief that they are ready to embark on being valuable and creative members of
their society and therefore are most in need of the inspiration, empowerment,
guidance and support to do so.
Speaking to the entrepreneurs at the ceremony held in Abuja
on Friday, the Director, External Affairs and Sustainability, Seplat Energy,
Dr. Chioma Nwachuku, said: “You are indeed equipped for your next phase in your
various enterprises. Thanks to C4C and to Seplat Energy for enriching you with
the knowledge and competencies you need to grow your business. The greater
appreciation and kudos, however, goes to you, for having the capacity to
establish your striving enterprise.
“Congratulations dear C4C-Seplat Global Entrepreneurship
Fellowship Program 2022 Graduates!
“We are happy at Seplat Energy to play a big role in
changing the narrative of the Nigerian Youth. You are no longer the leaders of
tomorrow rather, with the empowerment you have received over the year, you are
the change agent of your generation. We are quite elated with the level of
creativity and passion you all exhibited and truly, the sky will not be your
limit.”
Empowerment is one of the strong pillars on which Seplat
Energy is addressing social challenges in Nigeria particularly that of
Sustainable Development Goals’ 1, 2 and 8 on no poverty, zero hunger and decent
work and economic growth. We believe that as soon as these critical SDGs are
addressed, other things will follow, Dr. Nwachuku explained.
She added: “In this regard, we felicitate also with
Conversations for Change, our visionary partners on this journey for a great
job well done. Dear 2022 graduates, we have a great confidence in your ability
to further excel. Congratulations, and we pray to your continued success.”
Responding, the President/Founder, C4C, Dr. Kechi F.
Ogbuagu, thanked Seplat Energy for the invaluable support over the yearswhilst
pledging C4C’s resolve to empowerment of the youth population to drive national
economic prosperity.
The entrepreneurs thanked Seplat Energy and C4C for the huge
investment in their future and wished both organisations the best of success in
all their endeavour. Two presentations
of interest were from Blessing Gabriel who used various materials, including
waste to make bags; and Ogechi Iwuanyanwu who presented plants and flowers for
different uses.