Engineer Nnamdi Unachukwu, chairman of Business Matters Incubators-Catch Them Young (BMI-CTY), has launched an initiative aimed at nurturing entrepreneurship among young Nigerians. Titled “Incubating African Kid Entrepreneurs for Next Generational Impact,” the program seeks to address poverty, fraud, unemployment, and insecurity through comprehensive entrepreneurship education.
Unachukwu presented the initiative alongside his debut book, emphasizing his personal mantra, “Lost But Found,” signifying the discovery of solutions to secure the future of young Nigerians. He underscored the necessity for educational reforms, especially in rural areas, and outlined the BMI-CTY initiative, targeting children aged 7 to 14 to equip them with entrepreneurial skills and mindset.
Key Features of the BMI-CTY Initiative:
Six Senses Approach: This unique methodology incorporates textbooks, workbooks, decision books, video lessons, cartoon services, BMI fantasy day, practical manuals, and trainer journals to foster behavioral change, cognitive enhancement, and value integration from childhood to adolescence.
Long-Term Vision: The initiative aims to cultivate the next generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs over the next 10 to 15 years, focusing on creativity, motivation, and problem-solving skills.
Collaboration: Unachukwu stressed the importance of collaboration among educational institutions, government agencies, and private sector partners to support educational reforms, criticizing past short-term approaches and advocating for sustainable strategies.
Support and Praise for the Initiative:
Dr. Henrietta Onwuegbuzie, Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship at Lagos Business School, highlighted the significance of integrating entrepreneurial education into the curriculum and lauded the BMI-CTY initiative for addressing the challenge of training educators to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset.
Babatunde Jimoh, representing the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), commended the initiative and the state government’s efforts to innovate within the educational system, including the introduction of technology curricula at the primary level.
Encouragement from Youth:
Cossy Ogboruche, a young actor, expressed her excitement for the initiative, urging her peers to explore entrepreneurial ventures alongside their hobbies and prepare for the future despite challenging economic conditions.
The event garnered participation from various schools, including Glowfield International School, Early Spring School, Impacting Lives School, and Silver Sands Hall School, with students eager to explore the opportunities offered by the BMI-CTY initiative.
The BMI-CTY initiative marks a significant stride in empowering young Nigerians, nurturing entrepreneurial skills, and contributing to the country’s socio-economic development.
