Governor of Central Bank (CBN), Mallam Sanusi Lamido Yesterday Commissioned the South –South Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDC) in Calabar, the Cross River State Capital.
The Centre named after the first premier of Eastern Nigeria, Prof Eyo Ita is to serve as a Zonal entrepreneurship Development center for Akwa-Ibom, Rivers, Cross River, Bayelsa, Delta and Edo States Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Sanusi said the Entrepreneurship Development Centre is aimed at addressing the key issue of unemployment by equipping them with the necessary skills required to make the country an economic hub of Africa.
While harping on the need to create employment for the teeming youths, the CBN governor said this informed the decision of the apex Bank to actively develop, support and compliment the efforts of states and Federal Government agencies by establishing one EDC in each of the six Geo- Political Zones of the country.
According to him, the project strategy was designed to target school leavers, tertiary institutions graduates and owners of existing businesses.
The candidates he said are to undergo training for 4 weeks for tertiary institutions graduates, 6 weeks for school leavers and counselling to existing business owners.
Sanusi said the EDC was conceptualized to run for five years fully supported financially by the bank and thereafter the implementing agencies would carry on the operations of the centres sustainably.
According to the CBN Governor, other objective is to develop entrepreneurship spirit among youths and provide insight in tools, techniques and framework for managing business enterprise.
Governor Liyel Imoke who is the chief host said he has been eagerly looking forward for the launch which is an expression of the state becoming a hub of business activities in the region and to boast a vibrant private sector driven economy.
Imoke said the centre has now become an ideal location for CBN sponsored entrepreneurship activities in the zone and expressed the determination of his administration to pursue measures that will enable the youths to develop their skills and potentials.
In his welcome address, the Special adviser Investment Promotion, Gerald Ada said the biggest challenge facing the country today is the growing rate of unemployment and the attendant negative impact on the society.
