By Editor
The Ekiti Enterprise Challenge (EEC), a leading platform for emerging young entrepreneurs, is scheduled to take place on January 23rd, 2024.
Designed to foster, empower, and endorse budding business owners within Ekiti State, this initiative began in 2020 with a clear mission to spot, nurture, and bolster the growth of youthful entrepreneurship.
According to Mr. Akintunde Babalola, the Media Aide to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the groundwork for EEC 2024 commenced with a call for participants in June 2023, amassing an impressive 180 applications. These submissions underwent meticulous review, culminating in a rigorous physical screening to select the final candidates.
The roster of participants, set to attend an immersive residential boot camp, will be unveiled on January 23rd, 2024.
This boot camp aims to equip participants with the necessary skills to present their businesses before a panel of judges, competing for substantial prizes and other invaluable benefits.
Heading the esteemed faculty team for the 2024 edition is Dr. Olusegun Dada, a seasoned CBN/EDI consultant with over three decades of experience.
Assisting him are esteemed business coaches such as Mr. Femi Edwards, MD of Mayphem International, Dr. Marvelous Oluwasegun, a Young Innovation Fellow, Mr. Godspower Omolere, an EDI certified Trainer, and Mrs. Yemisi Akin-Babalola FCA, among others.
Mr. Babalola highlighted the objectives of the Chairman of EEC’s Board of Trustees, Engr Dare Ojo, a Past President & Patron of Ekitiparapo Lagos, emphasizing the core objectives of poverty reduction, youth job creation, and the enhancement of Ekiti’s IGR (Internally Generated Revenue) by aiding existing businesses to scale up significantly.
He expressed the belief that by providing comprehensive training, networking opportunities, and grants, these businesses can expand, create more employment opportunities, and gradually become more sustainable.
He recounted the success story of past EEC winner, Freedom Leather, expanding its market reach beyond Ekiti State. This success underscores the effectiveness of supporting multiple enterprises simultaneously to accomplish the primary objectives of EEC.
Finally, the pinnacle of the Ekiti Enterprise Challenge 2024—comprising the grand finale and the presentation of prizes—will take place on Saturday, January 27th, 2024, in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
