Skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, tools for national development – CIPM

By PROVIDENCE OBUH

The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) has said that skills acquisition and entrepreneurship are necessary tools for any economy seeking national development.

Erstwhile Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Engr. Godwin Omene, made this statement in his lecture during the 16th annual public lecture organised by CIPM with theme: ‘Skills Acquisition & Entrepreneurship, Prerequisite for National Development, held in Lagos.

Omene urged participants on reliance on the principle of “self-determination,” saying “young graduates and non- graduates should therefore practice skills Acquisition.”

He listed such skills acquisition to include but not limited to Agriculture, computer training, Wood Technology, Poultry, Fish farming, Hair Salons, Pedicure/Manicure Services, Barbing Salons, Tailoring, among others.

According to him, “Successful entrepreneurs seem to be scarce commodities today and most people are too scared to take risks. They would rather be in the comfort zone of salary earning, as they want to be sure of their regular income/salary at the end of every month or period. Entrepreneurs are the prime initiators of all economic activities in a mixed economic system.”

To the participants, he advised that they emulate successful Nigerians in Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition, stating, “We should follow their examples.

I can assure you that Nigeria is full of potentials but a few are spoiling our names and damaging the image of the Country. Let us therefore play more on the side of our Entrepreneurial knowledge, and showcase our potentials to the world. Then you can find out that these qualities are indeed prerequisite for National Development.”

Earlier in his welcome address, CIPM President said, “This topic could not have come at a better time, when we are grappling with high unemployment rate which currently stands at 46 per cent and even amongst employable youths, there is a dearth of required skills essential to employers of labour.”