Enterpreneurs in small and mediu-scale enterprises (SMEs) have been educated on the skills to reach global market audience. This training was done by the Nigerian Fellowship of Evangelical Students Alumni Association (NIFESAF) Lagos State chapter for its members in SME value chain during the 4th edition of its Business Career Exhibition held in Lagos recently. Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Global Body— Nigerian Fellowship of Evangelical Students (NIFES) ESUT Alumni Fellowship, Mr. Fred Nnadike, said the essence of the business exhibition was to support and build a community of excellent Christians who would be role models in their respective careers.
Nnadike who urged believers under their umbrella to keep the faith alive equally charged them to uphold ethical standards, sound corporate governance, and avoid sharp practices in their respective professions and business endeavours as ardent followers of Christ.
“We want to encourage what we produce and link our entrepreneurs to the global space. SMEs are indispensable for economic growth and development.
“The government across the board should do something urgently to revive the economy by making the environment conducive for businesses to thrive,” he implored.
On his part, the Lagos State Chapter Chairman of the Fellowship, Mr Henry Nnadike, said the leadership of NIFESAF has often reminded the government that MSMEs are still the engine room of every strong economy, and any government that neglects them does that at its peril.
“Government must address multiple taxation, epileptic power supply, dilapidated road network, and general scorching economic environment.
“The government must be transparent in its reforms and interventions. Besides, we need informed ideas, programmes, and policies that must be designed by best brains.
“The government should learn to put the interest of the masses above their personal interest for posterity sake,” he urged. Similarly, the Vice Chairman of NIFESAF, Lagos Chapter, Mrs. Chika Idalah-Allison, called on the state and Federal Government to partner with NIFESAF and related organisations that are poised in promoting skills and craftsmanship, particularly for youths.
“Government should partner with organisations promoting skills acquisition, innovation, human capital development, and creative industry. In NIFESAF, we are under the mandate to support every entrepreneur under our umbrella even beyond,” she said.
Idalah-Allison said she was able to travel to different countries on business purposes, not by virtue of her academic certifications but by sellability of her skills, art work and designs.
“Nigeria is our only country, we must build it, because the world is waiting for us to step out, and that is what we must all do collaboratively. However, our education curriculum should be designed fit-for-purpose,” she declared.
Guardian