The National President of the Coastland Institute of Entrepreneurial Studies of Nigeria (CIESN), Hon. (Elder) Fred M. Obot, has urged Nigerian youths to take advantage of the institute’s entrepreneurship programmes, describing them as a pathway to self-reliance, innovation and sustainable economic growth.
Obot made the call while speaking with journalists during the inauguration of the institute in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. He said the institute was established to complement government efforts in tackling unemployment by equipping young Nigerians with practical skills, entrepreneurial knowledge and the confidence to become employers of labour rather than job seekers.
According to him, the institute’s programmes are designed to meet international standards and will provide participants with the training needed to create businesses, generate employment opportunities and contribute meaningfully to national development.
“The narrative must change. Our youths should no longer remain on the streets waiting endlessly for white-collar jobs. Through entrepreneurship and skills acquisition, they can become self-reliant, create wealth and provide employment for others,” he said.
Obot noted that the institute has already impacted many young Nigerians by equipping them with practical entrepreneurial skills, enabling them to overcome the challenges of the labour market through self-employment. He also commended members and stakeholders who travelled from different parts of the country to attend the inauguration, describing their presence as a demonstration of their commitment to the institute’s vision of promoting entrepreneurship and economic empowerment. Also speaking at the event, former Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Akamba Awah, praised the Coastland Institute for its commitment to empowering Nigerian youths through entrepreneurship.
He described the institute as more than an educational institution, saying it is “a workshop for builders” that will instil in young people the dignity of labour by equipping them with the skills and confidence to create jobs for themselves and others.
Awah observed that Nigeria’s greatest challenge extends beyond unemployment to include insecurity and underdevelopment, stressing that these issues can be addressed by developing the entrepreneurial capacity of citizens.
“We have celebrated academic certificates for too long while neglecting practical skills and innovation. Entrepreneurship is essential to unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential and building a prosperous future,” he said.
He urged youths across the country to embrace skills acquisition and entrepreneurship as viable alternatives to dependence on scarce white-collar jobs.