Financial independence is crucial for economic stability, Onyeachonam Goodluck Chikwesiri, founder of Lucky Mane Group Ltd, is calling for stronger government support to empower young people through strategic skill development. While private initiatives like Lucky Mane Group have made significant strides in training entrepreneurs, he insists that lasting change requires national policies, funding, and structured programs.
“Youth empowerment is not just the responsibility of private institutions; governments must create policies that support skill acquisition and entrepreneurial growth,” Lucky Mane emphasized. “If we want to see real economic transformation, we need government-backed programs that give young people access to valuable skills and resources.”
He said the Lucky Mane Group has already trained over 220,000 young traders across Africa, equipping them with expertise in forex trading and financial literacy. However, the company’s efforts highlight a broader need for nationwide programs that teach practical, income-generating skills.
“The government needs to invest in skill development programs that go beyond traditional education,” he explained. “When young people are equipped with strategic financial knowledge, they become self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to the economy.”
“Countries like Nigeria, Rwanda, Ghana, and Kenya face growing youth unemployment despite an expanding educated workforce. Industry leaders argue that financial education, entrepreneurial mentorship, and real-world application are critical in addressing this issue,” he said.
He said an initiate by the Lucky Mane Group was a free forex training program in Lagos, drew over 13,000 participants in April 2024. A similar initiative in Abuja saw another 5,000 individuals benefit from intensive financial literacy courses. Such programs, if backed by government support, could reach even more young people and create long-term economic benefits.
Beyond forex, he said the company has expanded into real estate, demonstrating how financial literacy translates into tangible investments. Its LM Estate project and upcoming seven-story luxury apartment complex in Enugu State serve as examples of how strategic investments can secure financial futures.
However, for large-scale economic transformation, private initiatives alone are not enough. Experts call on governments to implement tax incentives for youth-led businesses, provide grants for startup development, and integrate skill acquisition programs into educational curricula.
“There should be national funding dedicated to entrepreneurship training,” Lucky Mane urged. “Young people need access to resources, mentorship, and capital to turn their skills into profitable ventures. Without structured government support, too many promising entrepreneurs will struggle to succeed.”
