FCT inaugurates digital platform to promote local produce

A digital community of buyers and sellers to promote made-in-Nigeria products and enhance digital entrepreneurship, especially for the youths, has been inaugurated in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The i-Dreams Africa Business Hub, a digital platform to boost indigenous high quality goods and also drive entrepreneurship for economic growth, was unveiled on Thursday.

The inauguration was part of the closing ceremony of Abuja Digital Entrepreneurship Drive, a five-week virtual and physical training during which no fewer than 600 pupils were equipped with entrepreneurial skills.

Speaking at the event, Dr Olagunji Lateef, Secretary General, Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO, said that empowering youths to become active agents of change should be important to any nation that was poised to develop.

“UNESCO will, therefore, support any initiative that ensures that young people have the tools and resources needed to thrive as part of its priority areas.

“It is the only veritable way of achieving peace and development,” he said.

Lateef assured that UNESCO was also committed to amplifying the voices and perspectives of the Nigerian youth, supporting youth-led initiatives and projects as well as promoting inclusive and equitable opportunities for all.

Dr Danladi Hayyo, Mandate Secretary for Education of the Federal Capital Territory Administration(FCTA), who inaugurated the digital platform, said digital entrepreneurship leveraged online platforms and technologies to reach global markets.

Hayyo, represented by the Director, FCT Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Olobashola Kolawole, said that digital entrepreneurship engaged online tools to create value and reach customers effectively.

According to him, entrepreneurship plays a vital role in driving innovation, creating jobs and contributing to economic growth.

In her remarks, Mrs Hajara Alayande, Director, FCT Department of Mass Education, said that digital entrepreneurship was an indispensable tool for advancing Nigeria economic outlook

Mrs Ego Philips, Chief Executive Officer, i-Dreams World, in a media interaction on the sidelines of the event, that digital entrepreneurship was crucial for Nigeria.

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She said that the world was going digital and expanding; hence, Nigeria should not be left behind.

“So, Nigeria needs to key in; our businesses need to come on board and our youths have to understand that going digital is more than creating a negative impression.

“From this digital platform, we can earn money; we can project Nigeria as a futuristic better place by changing the narrative,” Philips said.

She said that no fewer than 600 participants in the Abuja Municipal and Kuje Area Councils who benefitted from the Abuja Digital Entrepreneurial Drive would be integrated into the inaugurated hub.

Philips said that the training was organised by i-Dreams World and Yali Network Nigeria.
NAN