ECOBANK Nigeria Plc, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), among others  have encouraged Nigerians to participate in the season 2 of the Entrepreneur Television Series after a  successful outing from its debut last year .

Speaking at a press briefing organised by Inspire Media Company, (IMPC) last weekend, in Lagos, Executive Director, Ecobank Nigeria Plc, Mr.Jubril Aku said, “ We thank all the sponsors and participants in the last reality television which was a success and encourage Nigerian entrepreneurs who have ideas that would create value to the society to participate in the second phase.

The TV reality show made its debuts last year with the sum of N12 million ear-marked to finance businesses with winning ideas.Aku said, “ we are supporting small businesses because we know they generate greater employment and contribute sigficantly to boost  the economy of any nation.

From the testimonies of some of the people who participated in the first TV show like, Rakia Abubakar Destiny College and Valentine, the Ecobank is ready to support this programme that encourages entrepreneurial skills. We are proud of the last beneficiaries as we believe that supporting the entrepreneurs would go a long way in alleviating poverty.

I advise entrepreneurs to also visit our microfinance company for further assistance.”Speaking at the briefing, Head of Corporate Affairs, SMEDAN, Mr. Levi Anyikwa commended the beneficiaries as well as the co sponsors of this TV reality show.

According to him, Ecobank Nigeria Plc and Vitamalt, who provided N12 million last year have planned to provide N15 million this year. I also commend other partner organisatiuons such as the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, which has joined the train this year and the Growing Business Foundation.

There is no doubt that the success recorded last year inspired confidence and encouraged this shot at seasn2.”He noted that SMEDAN was proud to associate with the reality TV series as it has assisted the Agency to execute its mandate in the area of promoting entrepreneurship and facilitating access to business finance.

According to him, we are not resting on oars. We have recorded milestones and would continue to trudge on despite the difficulties on the way. The task of developing the micro, small and medium enterprise sub-sector is an onerous one that SMEDAN cannot do it alone.”

In her own comment, the Executive Producer, IMPC, Mrs Ndidi Edozien commended all the co-sponsors for their commitment to the programme

According to her , “ I hope this year’s programme will be much higher than the first. I call on Nigerians to participate in the micro entrepreneurs TV reality show to take advantage of the uni opportunity to translate their dreams to reality by coming up with brilliant ideas that would lead to profitability and sustainable business ventures.”