GR Diary

NACETEM DG hints on reasons small businesses are dying in Nigeria

Published

6 years ago

April 22, 2019

grassroots

… Proffers Solutions

Many entrepreneurs lack resources management know-how. Some even lack basic skills on bookkeeping. Most importantly, many delve into entrepreneurship without engaging in opportunity analysis.

These are the words of the Director General, National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), Engineer (Prof) Okechukwu Ukwuoma during a recent chat with an online news platform in his office.

NACETEM is an Agency of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology (FMST) saddled with the responsibility of training middle-to-high level manpower in the areas of science, technology and innovation management.

In his assessment of entrepreneurship ecosystem in Nigeria, Prof. Ukwuoma said that inability of young people to research about the environment and products/service lines they are venturing into could be blamed for the increase in sudden collapse of small businesses in the country.

In his words, “Opportunity Analysis implies that when you are setting up a business you scan the environment to understand what is there and what is needed.

“It could be what is available but not in sufficient quantity. It may be what is available but not well packaged. Once you focus on that scarcity then you have a business. But when you come into a system that is already saturated, the people already in that market may be diversifying, yet you are just coming in, then it will be difficult to strive.

“These are some of the major reasons hundreds of small ventures that come up hardly will ten per cent survive the second year. Once the environment is saturated and you come in, it is usually difficult to break even. But if you move out and understand what people really need it becomes demand-driven entrepreneurship”.

He said that these are part of the things NACETEM try to impact on potential startups or SMEs.

When asked his view about ongoing debate that the one-year mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for Nigerian graduates should be redefined to inculcate entrepreneurial skills in the members, the NACETEM DG said, “This year, as an Agency we wrote the NYSC that we would like to come to orientation camps to train the Corps Members on entrepreneurship. But you know sometimes, when people are not interested in a proposal, no matter how objective and noble it sounds it would witness bottleneck. The Osun State NYSC secretariat directed us to write to the National Headquarters because they already have their programmes.

“In Enugu we were even asked to pay to mount a stand, which I directed should be done. In all of this, one thing is clear: when you look at the factors prelude to the establishment of the NYSC; they wanted the young people to know themselves by serving in a state or region outside their State of origin. However, it appears that people are no longer interested in such things presently. We have also heard of cases that people are not interested in the Youth Service. They even prefer to pay to obtain exemption certificate. So, a lot of things have happened and still happening.

“Nevertheless, NYSC presents opportunity for anyone serious about learning one trade or skill; some people to go those places they are posted and start-up entrepreneurship ventures. It is not the amount of what you are taught in class that matters, but the interest you have. Because all the people doing very well in the business ventures are mostly those who decided to improve on themselves. They try to read-wide, learn new skills that may be different from what they even learnt in school. That is innovation. So, entrepreneurship is very important in today’s Nigerian society.

…still on saturation of business ideas

“Meanwhile, I always disagree with people who may say they want to intervene in some community or what they call ‘empowerment’. They go to a community that have about 2,000 population, and give forty of them hairdressing equipment. Who will they dress their hairs? It is part of saturation of ideas.

“Suffice to say that people who go through apprenticeship sometimes understand these things more than those who pass through the four walls of the university. For instance, at the end of the apprenticeship programme, usually the servant does not stay in the same environment with the master. He goes far away to search for new customers. Those who choose to stay in the same environment, most times, find it difficult to survive, because the same customers the master have are the same he will scramble for”, he added.

The role of NACETEM

The DG added that NACETEM is available to train people on entrepreneurship whenever the opportunity comes and when people are interested. “Those who are willing to acquire knowledge or inundate themselves operate under the law of accumulation which states that little knowledge you accumulate every time you discuss with people or read materials, are the things that will enable you do new things”, Prof. Ukwuoma added.

Source: TechEconomy.ng

Events

Ortom, NOA DG, others to feature as Panelists at GOCOP 2025 Conference

Published

1 week ago

September 26, 2025

Ani Sandra

Panelists at GOCOP conference

The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) has announced that Chief Samuel Ortom, former Governor of Benue State, will serve as one of the panelists at the upcoming GOCOP 2025 Conference.

The conference theme is “Reconciling Campaign Promises with Governance Realities: Challenges and Prospects.”

A press statement by GOCOP publicity secretary, Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, disclosed that the panel discussion will feature esteemed panelists, including Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi, Registrar, Base University, Abuja; Prof. Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika,2025 Director, Institute of Continuing Education (UNILAG); and Alhaji Lanre Issa-Orilu, Director-General, National Orientation Agency.

The conference, he said, will take place on October 9, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

He recalled that GOCOP had earlier announced that the keynote speaker will be Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and immediate past Governor of Katsina State.

Events

Takang, Ladid Lead Africa’s Digital Sovereignty Debate At DACE 2025

Published

2 weeks ago

September 17, 2025

grassroots

L-R: Prof. Latif Ladid and Dr. Armstrong Takang

How can Africa remain safe and powerful in a world being rapidly redefined by Artificial Intelligence?

That pressing question will take centre stage at the 13th Digital Africa Conference & Exhibition (DACE), scheduled for October 28–29, 2025, in Abuja.

The two-day gathering will be anchored by two powerhouse keynote speakers: Dr. Armstrong Takang on Day 1 and Prof. Latif Ladid on Day 2, each bringing unique expertise to Africa’s digital sovereignty conversation.

Dr. Armstrong Takang, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), will open the conference with a keynote that situates Africa’s digital sovereignty within the broader context of economic reform, institutional innovation, and strategic governance.

A consummate professional and visionary thinker, Dr. Takang has spent decades bridging the gap between public reform and private investment across Africa and the United States. Before his current role at MOFI, he served as Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, where he led the MOFI Transformation Team.

His career includes leading Growth Alliance Partners (GAP), a pan-African firm that helped turn around several businesses to create shareholder value, and working at KPMG in New York.

He has been instrumental in designing and implementing key national initiatives such as the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), the Voluntary Asset and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS), and the ICT components of EFCC/NFIU systems.

Dr. Takang has also chaired national ICT committees and contributed to landmark policies, including Nigeria’s Content Development in ICT and the country’s 50-year Development Plan. His keynote will highlight how digital and financial sovereignty intersect to secure Africa’s long-term competitiveness.

On the other hand, Prof. Latif Ladid, Founder & President of the IPv6 Forum and Chair of the AI & Blockchain Global Forum, brings decades of global leadership in internet architecture, digital policy, and emerging technologies.

His expertise spans across pivotal roles from IEEE Future Networks to the Internet Society, 3GPP, and EU research on next-generation networks.

Organizers say his keynote will set the tone for the conference, unpacking how Africa can assert digital sovereignty, safeguard its data, and lead in shaping the ethics and standards of AI on the global stage.

“This year’s theme, ‘Sovereign Intelligence: Africa’s Voice in the Global Digital Order,’ isn’t just a concept, it’s a necessity,” said Dr. Evans Woherem, Chairman of Digital Africa Consult. “Prof. Ladid’s keynote will highlight what it takes for Africa to remain safe, independent, and powerful in the new AI era.”

At a time when global powers are racing to define AI norms and secure digital dominance, Africa risks being left behind if it fails to act. Much of its technology remains imported, its data stored abroad, and its languages invisible in mainstream AI systems.

DACE 2025 is designed to change this narrative, by equipping Africa with the tools, strategies, and partnerships to become a proactive co-author of the digital future.

The conference will feature high-level dialogues on digital sovereignty, policy innovation, and cross-border cooperation, alongside exhibitions of homegrown startups, developer workshops, and showcases of African-built AI tools for health, agriculture, finance, and education.

Beyond the panels and showcases, DACE 2025 is expected to produce a concrete roadmap for Africa’s digital sovereignty.

“This isn’t just about technology,” noted Woherem. “It’s about agency, safety, and independence. With Prof. Ladid setting the stage, we hope to leave Abuja with a united vision of Africa’s place in the global AI order.”

With delegates expected from across Africa and the world, the two-day gathering promises to be a defining moment in the continent’s digital journey.

GR Diary

Lagos Mainland Trade Fair: Entrepreneurs gain export skills

Published

3 weeks ago

September 11, 2025

grassroots

L-r: Olori Janet Afolabi Queen of Apomu Kingdom/Collaborator in the event and Monalisa Abimbola Azeh, CEO of Mona Matthews/ Convener of the event.

Nigerian Export Promotions Council, NEPC, played a significant role at the just concluded maiden Lagos Trade Fair. NEPC, enhanced the export capabilites of entrepreneurs at the Fair.

Nancy Okpa and Olamide Olatunde, both Senior Trade Officers from NEPC, equipped the entrepreneurs with knowledge and skills necessary for international trade.
The Vendors learnt the step by step export procedures. They also gained insight to the importance of compliance with international standards.

Monalisa Abimbola Aze, a lawyer turned entrepreneur whose company Mona Matthews curated the event expressed appreciation for developing the export capabilites of entrepreneurs and providing them access to international markets.

She said the ” Vendors will be more confident and equipped to navigate the exportation process.”

“Through exportation entrepreneurs can expand their businesses and access global market.”She added.

Olori Janet Afolabi, a Publisher and Queen of Apomu Kingdom, who collaborated with Azeh on the event, commended NEPC for its effort to reduce Nigeria economic vulnerability to oil price fluctuation by promoting non oil exports.” She said through exportation there will be increased foreign exchange earnings”

Apart from NEPC, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control, NAFDAC , officials also attended the Trade Fair to sensitise entrepreneurs on the need to register their products.

The event drew a large crowd and sparked entrepreneurial growth.
Aze, said ” I am overwhelmed by the success of the event We are grateful for the enthusiasm from Vendors who showcased their products and services with passion..
The event has shown that with determination and hard work we can create a lasting impact and provide opportunities for growth and expansion of businesses and services “

Olori Afolabi described the event as a great first attempt ” It exceeded my expectations.It was incredible to see entrepreneurs come together to celebrate enterprise and innovations. The energy was amazing. We look forward to building on this momentum.”

Vendors at the Fair expressed satisfaction with the turnout and the opportunities provided by the event.Many of them reported increased visibility, valuable connections and potential business deals.

One of them, Enobong Ezekiel, CEO / Founder Coreal8 said “l am honoured to have been a part of this experience. I was able to connect with many customers and partners.The organisers did an incredible job of creating a vibrant and supportive atmosphere that allowed us to showcase our services”

The event held on 6th and 7th September at Yard 158, Kudirat Abiola Way, Ikeja Lagos.

The two day event brought together about 100 versatile Vendors, showcasing a wide range of products and services in fashion, food, lifestyle, technology and beauty.The event featured food courts, entertainment and games, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.

Many visitors attended the Fair Prominent among them is Tope Alabi a popular gospel musician.

The Fair which showcased the entrepreneurial strength of Lagos is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy .