Entrepreneurship is a constructive way of reducing unemployment and underemployment among youth thereby countering the attractiveness of crime and violence to gain economic security. Understanding the value of providing young people the knowledge and skills to create and enhance their business acumen, the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) continues to support youth entrepreneurial development. For the third consecutive year, GPF Nigeria partnered with GPF Brazil to engage Besouro Social Development Agency Brazil to deliver the Nigerian Youths Entrepreneurship for Development (NIYED) program from July to October 2024.
NIYED is a three-month virtual program for males and females ages 18 to 30 who have either started a business or have an idea for a business. Besouro delivered the training using a proven methodology that provides diverse young people across Nigeria with theoretical content and practical activities to increase their entrepreneurial knowledge and skills. Following ten planned sessions, the participants engaged in an incubation period culminating in the development of an action plan for formulating their business plans. Through coaching, teaching, and mentoring the young entrepreneurs were fully supported throughout the process.
Over 60 young people from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds across several Nigerian states participated in the first phase of the program, which kicked off on July 1. It commenced with five days of intense training on business basics such as conceptualizing business ideas, research, branding, and marketing. Participants who completed the various sessions and submitted the required tasks received certificates of participation. The trainees then engaged in mentoring activities in assigned groups with various professionals the rest of the month.
Of the initial participants, 40 continued with the second phase of online workshops and mentoring in August. This included one-on-one interaction with mentors who answered their questions and offered the practical guidance needed by young entrepreneurs to overcome challenges and sustain their small and medium-sized businesses.
Mentorship continued throughout September as a fundamental component of the program. In addition to one-on-one interaction with Besouro resource experts, attendees participated in workshops focusing on various aspects of business registration, key components of structuring sales scripts, and the use of technology to expand business development.
The young NIYED program participants expressed their gratitude to GPF Nigeria and GPF Brazil for conducting the online training. After the first phase, NdidiAmaka Precious Chidubem, a participant from Anambra stated, “The training has opened my eyes on some details necessary to grow my small business, for which I am very grateful.” After the second phase in August, Akala Elsie from Port Harcourt in Rivers commented, “I have participated in several virtual and on-ground entrepreneurial training but this one stands out in the simple and in-depth approach by the facilitators.”
The program’s focus on community service supplemented its practical business aspects. After the third phase in September, Auwal Kabir from Kaduna State commented, “The skills I gained on balancing family and business have been invaluable, and I’m now more committed to integrating service into my entrepreneurial efforts. This program has not only enhanced my personal growth but also empowered me to make a positive impact in my community.”
By providing young Nigerian entrepreneurs with critical business and leadership skills, they were able to connect across their various ethnic and religious backgrounds. They are now equipped to start new businesses or continue their existing businesses with expanded business knowledge and skills with an emphasis on social responsibility.
The NYIED program provides entrepreneurship training that empowers the youth of Nigeria to continue their development to create positive social and economic outcomes through their business endeavors. Their ongoing efforts will increase employment and reduce poverty, creating a strong foundation for peaceful coexistence.
