By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan
A seasoned entrepreneur, Dr Afolakemi Saba, FCA, has advised youths in Nigeria to shift focus from white-collar jobs to entrepreneurship – the key to a liberated, fulfilling life and prosperous country.
Saba, a Christian leader and pioneer in women’s empowerment and youth mentorship, gave the advice on Sunday at an entrepreneurial programme.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was organised by Everlasting Light International Church, Bodija, Ibadan.
She emphasised that entrepreneurship creates opportunities not just for individuals, but for others as well.
Saba said that going to school was not just about getting a job, but about liberating one’s mind to conceive ideas and create opportunities.
She, therefore, enjoined the youth to be proactive and take charge of their lives.
The seasoned entrepreneur also called on youths to build the right values, have a mind of Christ, and focus on essential foundations for growth, in order to thrive in enterprise.
Saba, who acknowledged the challenges of entrepreneurship, including competition, taxation, and cash flow issues, urged future entrepreneurs not to allow such challenges deter them from pursuing their goals.
“Rather than sitting down looking for white collar jobs, once you are out of school, begin to think of what you can do that can bring income,” she said.
The entrepreneur also urged government to support and empower youths by interpreting their dreams and providing them with the necessary resources to thrive.
“When they have finance, they will be able to thrive and lots of societal decadence will reduce,” she said.
Sharing an inspiring example, Saba recounted how a young man was given tools to start a tailoring business at the programme, which will help him fulfill his desire and become a better person.
“If you are not an entrepreneur, you can’t create a better future.
“The government and other agencies can emulate Everlasting Light Church and other youth empowerment foundations in empowering youths to better their lots,” she said.
NAN reports that the Everlasting Light Church’s Faith and Fortune Initiative empowered a corps member and church member, Mr Adesola Awomosu and provided him with a brand new industrial sewing machine (Sewmaster).
The Pastor of Everlasting Light International Church, Pastor Deji Akinpelu shared how the church’s small-scale grant initiative empowered young Nigerians and transformed communities.
Akinpelu said the programme provides grants, mentorship, and training to young entrepreneurs, inspiring them to drive positive change.
“A young woman received a N50,000 grant to start a bakery business; with mentorship and training, she now employs three people and supplies bread to local schools.
“She also runs a feeding programme for street children in her community,” he said.
Akinpelu said that the church’s goal was to empower between 100 and 500 young entrepreneurs, creating jobs and stimulating local economies.
“By supporting this initiative, one can help transform Nigeria’s future.
“Awomosu studied Water Resources Management and Agrometeorology and is currently a corps member (2026 Batch A).
“His personal passion and skill lie in sewing clothes, and he has been sewing for seven years.
“Everlasting Light Church’s Faith and Fortune initiative seeks to empower young entrepreneurs with grants to achieve their business goals.
“We were able to provide him with a brand new industrial machine (Sewmaster) to help him achieve his goals,” Akinpelu said.
The beneficiary, Awomosu, described the presentation of the equipment to him as a pleasant surprise.
“I’m really short of words. I really wanted the machine for a while now to start my own business, and I can’t even express the joy in me right now.
“God bless the church and everyone who God has used to make this happen,” he said. NAN
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