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Kelechi Esogwa-Amadi
Rivers State now boasts of having some of the youngest manufacturers and entrepreneurs in Nigeria as a group of children ranging from three years to thirteen years have commenced production of various products after being taught entrepreneurial skills.
The child manufacturers and entrepreneurs, who presented their various products at the Port Harcourt Children’s Business Fair held at the weekend at Elite Primary School, Woji Estate, Port Harcourt, are now operating with their various business names, a development that is the first of its kind in Nigeria’s quest to achieve industrialization and a productive citizenry.
Addressing the guests, Akelachi Kejeh, who is the Founder of Early Flight Academy –the organizer of the programme – said she believes in raising the next generation of Africa’s Entrepreneurs, leaders, innovators and change agents through her organization hence her decision to promote entrepreneurial education for young people.
Kejeh, who said she started Early Flight Academy in 2017, disclosed that they organize different programmes to achieve their goals. One of such programmes, according to her, include the Kids Business Boot Camp.
She said since the organization took off in 2017, she has been the sole sponsor, and appealed to organizations, government agencies, ministries and multinational companies for assistance.
She advised Nigerians to develop entrepreneurship mindset which she said is key to eradication of unemployment.
“I will say that entrepreneurship is indeed one of those powerful tools we can use to solve Nigeria and Africa’s problems – problems of youth menace, high unemployment rate.
“If Nigerians and indeed Africans can go about and know that they are problem solvers, we won’t just let things pass over. That’s what our Academy is here for but we’re starting with the young people because we believe that they are the future,” Kejeh said.
One of the guests and judges, Mercy Bello Abu, described entrepreneurs as world changers, risk takers and problem solvers, adding that the world is looking for such people.
CEO/Founder of Palm Drive, a taxi booking company, commended Early Flight Academy for organizing the Port Harcourt Children’s Business Fair.
The Palm Drive boss, Ezieke Amaefula, whose company hosted the children on excursion during the training period, promised to be partnering with Early Flight Academy every year for the programme.
One of the child entrepreneurs, George Emmanuella, who presented her novel, XOXO Girls, during the programme, won the first prize as best brand and presenter.
