Experts urge entrepreneurs to seek fresh opportunities

Experts have urged young entrepreneurs to actively seek out fresh opportunities and be solution providers even in the face of increased economic challenges in the country.

The experts stressed that opportunities abound across different sectors but entrepreneurs tend to shy away from exploring opportunities because of inherent challenges.

Speaking at the 80th-anniversary celebrations of the British Council in Nigeria, founder, OSC College of Fashion, Olusola Babatunde, said the ongoing FX crisis has forced many businesses to not just look inward, but source for alternatives, a situation that has birthed local supply economy for industries.

Honourary Life Vice-President of the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), Sola Oyetayo, regretted the current regulatory environment in the country and the high cost of doing business, adding that the present scenario does not encourage entrepreneurship of any kind.

The commemorative event, which was held at the council’s office in Ikoyi, Lagos, saw over 100 guests, partners, beneficiaries, staff and partners from the public and private sectors gathered to honour eight decades of the British Council’s contributions to Nigeria’s educational and cultural landscape.

The event underscores the organisation’s dedication to fostering impactful change under the theme, ‘Amplifying the Voices of the Future.’

Speaking, acting Country Director of the British Council, Chilufya Besa, reflected on the organisation’s long-standing role in supporting Nigerian communities and youth, and expressed pride at the countless number of young people who have become employable, business owners, job creators and agents of change within their communities through British Council-led programmes.

Reflecting on the theme of the celebration, representing the Deputy High Commissioner, Simon Field, Deputy Head of Mission, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), said amplifying the voices of the future is especially fitting for their 80th anniversary in Nigeria, as it indicates their commitment to empowering young people, who are Nigeria’s future leaders, creators, and innovators.

Featuring two fireside chats, each delved into the impact and future potential of youth empowerment in Nigeria. The first, Unlocking the Economic Potential of Young People Now and in the Future, was led by the Regional Lead for Creative Economy, SSA, and Head of Arts Nigeria at the British Council, Brenda Fashugba. The second focused on Enhancing Youth Voices in Delivering Effective and Sustainable Change, and was moderated by Edemekong Uyoh, Regional Head of Marketing, Cultural Engagement, SSA at the British Council, and emphasised the importance of youth perspectives in achieving sustainable development.

Besa emphasised the council’s dedication to empowering more young Nigerians and reaffirmed their commitment to creating impactful partnerships, fostering educational opportunities and strengthening ties between both countries.