The Management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik), Awka, Anambra State, has commended Dr Obiora Okonkwo, the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) governorship candidate in the November 6 election, on his support to the development of mankind, especially students of the university in the area of entrepreneurial development.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Charles Esimone, made the commendation during a presentation ceremony of a Research on Reinvigorating Igbo Entrepreneurial Behaviour Through Enhanced Apprenticeship Scheme in Onitsha Markets, Anambra State, held at ASUU Secretariat Conference Hall of the University, on Wednesday.
The VC who was represented by the deputy VC, Academics, Professor Fredrick Odibo, said the management under his leadership was delighted that this action by the governorship candidate of the ZLP) would open a floodgate of investments into the state.
The university administrator also expressed confidence the Okonkwo would strengthen a working relationship between the owners of the business (Masters) and their apprenticeship (Nwa boyi) fondly called among the Igbo traders.
The VC also called on other entrepreneurs from Igbo extraction to emulate Okonkwo’s worthy and innovative example in their own efforts to create more jobs for the teaming youths in order to make the region a free crime area.
He assured the guber candidate of support, promising to make available the expertise of their members if needed, for the sustenance of the programme.
He also appealed to investors, especially Anambra successful business people, to take advantage of the conducive and safe environment in the University under his watch, is rapidly creating, to set up industries in the state that would generate employment and forestall the outward migration of youths, while urging the businessman/politician not to rest on his oars.
Dr Okonkwo, in his address, expressed happiness that his vision towards reinvigorating the apprenticeship system in Igboland and through it enhancing the entrepreneurial spirit of the people, had become a reality.
He said the study would help to create jobs as it would open a new vista into the apprenticeship system in Igboland, which he noted, had produced great entrepreneurs and business leaders, who created employment and engaged the youth.
According to him, the study would go a long way towards helping state governments, corporate organisations and the country at large to find alternative ways to create jobs and take restive youths out of the streets.
“This is not just a study for Anambra State. It is for the entire South-East and Nigeria in general. I expect state governments and the Federal Government to take cognizance of the findings and use them to explore other ways of getting youths engaged.
“I also expect corporate bodies to make use of the outcome of the study to enhance their corporate social responsibility towards the people.
“If fully implemented, I expect this to go a long way towards helping us restore peace to our country as the more youths we are able to engage with jobs, the more peaceful atmosphere we create for public and private enterprise to thrive and the society will be better for it.
“So, this is great work and I congratulate the research team led by Professor Nkemdili Au Nonyelu for the efforts and sacrifices they put into achieving this great work. I am proud of the team for their relentless effort in ensuring that the research was concluded in record time”, Okonkwo said.
Commenting, Prof. Nonyelu, who is the lead researcher, said the study was the first of its kind in Nigeria adding that the scope of the study was encompassing.
According to him, the study covered all the markets within and around the Onitsha metropolis, adding that great insights were achieved in the course of the interaction with the respondents.
He said the respondent included apprentices and their bosses, adding that the research would greatly impact the rejuvenation of the apprenticeship system in Igbo land so as to make it a strong avenue for job creation.
Tribune Online gathered that the research was sponsored by Pro-Value Humanity Foundation in collaboration with Unizik Business School (UBS).
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