By Christopher Tom, Uyo
The President of Coastland Institute of Entrepreneurial Studies Nigeria, Hon. (Eld.) Fred M. Obot, has reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to equipping Nigerian youths and aspiring entrepreneurs with practical business skills, mentorship and resources needed to build sustainable enterprises.
Obot made this known during the inauguration of the institute’s Board of Directors and Executive Council in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
He said the institute was established to address unemployment and promote economic diversification by transforming job seekers into job creators through hands-on training, industry-aligned curricula and business incubation programmes.
According to him, the institute’s programmes are designed to complement government efforts in empowering citizens and stimulating economic growth.
Obot also commended the administration of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for its ARISE Agenda, particularly its focus on rural development, agricultural transformation, infrastructure, security and education.
“Our programmes are tailored to produce skilled, innovative and self-reliant citizens who will contribute meaningfully to the economic development of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria. We also seek strategic partnerships with state and federal governments, as well as development agencies, for the benefit of Nigerian youths,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, HRM Sarumi B. Taiwo, urged young Nigerians to take advantage of the institute’s entrepreneurial programmes, stressing that acquiring practical skills would enable them to create wealth, become self-reliant and train others.
He noted that not everyone must depend on white-collar jobs, adding that skill acquisition and entrepreneurship remain viable pathways to reducing poverty and promoting national development.
Also speaking, the State Coordinator for Training and Trainers, Mr. Paul Antigha, said the country’s educational system has focused more on producing job seekers than job creators.
He explained that the institute aims to bridge that gap by providing practical entrepreneurial training that empowers participants to establish businesses and create employment opportunities.
Drawing from his personal experience, Antigha said the knowledge he acquired from the institute has significantly improved his farming business and enabled him to mentor others.
He encouraged youths to enrol in the institute’s programmes to acquire relevant skills, become self-employed and contribute to reducing unemployment.
Antigha also congratulated the newly inaugurated board members and executives, expressing confidence that their wealth of experience would strengthen the institute and expand opportunities for Nigerian youths through entrepreneurship.
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