The United States Consulate-General Lagos, in collaboration with Field of Skills and Dreams (FSD) VTE Academy, on Wednesday concluded training of 121 emerging entrepreneurs in Port Harcourt

The U.S. Embassy in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, said 121 budding Nigerian entrepreneurs selected across Nigerian participated in the two-day workshop.

“The up-and-coming entrepreneurs learned how to transform their ideas into practical business plans, manage business risks, navigate difficult moments, seek capital, and develop partnerships to help their businesses grow.”

It quoted the U.S. Consul-General, John Bray as saying “one of U.S. Mission Nigeria’s primary goals is to support Nigeria’s economic development”.

According to him, the U.S. Department of State supports entrepreneurs all over the world through training and mentoring, while also working with governments to create enabling environments and entrepreneurial cultures.

“There is growing evidence that entrepreneurs the world over are the drivers of job growth.

“The U.S. Government is firmly convinced that in addition to creating jobs and expanding economic opportunities, entrepreneurship contributes to political stability and a vibrant civil society,” Bray said.

Bray said leading business leaders including Sahara Group Co-Founder Tonye Cole, Emzor Pharmaceutical Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Stella Okoli, Andela Co-Founder Iyin Aboyeji, award-winning designer Zizi Cardow and senior executives of prominent commercial banks mentored and trained the participating young entrepreneurs.

The conference, the embassy said was organised with a view to equipping the entrepreneurs with the requisite skills and entrepreneurial know-how to enhance their success in the business world.

The statement said that the first edition was held in Lagos in March 2017.

It noted that Bray was joined at the workshop by Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr Ipalibo Banigo, and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Ndowa Lale. (NAN)

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