Labour Party candidate for the Ekwusịgọ, Nnewi North and South Federal Constituency, Hon Anthony Ikenna Okafor, has emphasized the need to sustain the Igbo people's entrepreneurial culture. He made this call on the sidelines of apprenticeship in Igbo lands. Okafor aims to sponsor bills that support small-scale industries in Nigeria, enabling local industrialists to access loan facilities for their businesses.
Hon. Okafor highlighted that the apprenticeship system, which has produced more millionaires than the education sector in Nigeria, should not die out. He noted that youths are increasingly involved in illegal means of making quick money, abandoning legitimate means. This trend is concerning, as the apprenticeship system has been a family heritage in Igbo lands, contributing to the region's industrial growth.
During the New Yam Festival in Anambra State, Hon. Anthony shared his concerns about the decline of family businesses. He recalled growing up seeing his parents attend to their family business, which he inherited. This tradition made Nnewi historically a town that produced Nigeria's first millionaire and earned the nickname "Japan of Africa" due to its industrial processes.
However, Hon. Anthony observed that the trend is changing, with parents sending their children overseas to study and abandoning family businesses. This has led to a situation where children end up wasting their lives as rich men's children, despite the investments made in their education. He urged businessmen in Igbo lands to stop transferring knowledge to other people's children and instead search for apprentices to help build their businesses.
Hon. Anthony also called on parents to encourage their children to participate in family businesses. He believes that this will help sustain the entrepreneurial culture and prevent youths from engaging in illegal activities. By doing so, the next generation can build on the legacy of their parents and contribute to the region's economic growth.
The Labour Party candidate emphasized the importance of preserving the apprenticeship system. He noted that this system has been instrumental in producing successful entrepreneurs in Igbo lands and can continue to do so if nurtured. Hon. Anthony's efforts to sponsor bills supporting small-scale industries aim to provide a framework for sustaining this culture.
Ultimately, Hon. Anthony's call for substance in Igbo entrepreneurship seeks to promote a culture of legitimate business practices. By sustaining the apprenticeship system and encouraging family businesses, he believes that the next generation can build successful enterprises and contribute to Nigeria's economic development.
Key points
- Labour Party candidate Hon Anthony Ikenna Okafor urges sustainability of Igbo entrepreneurial culture.
