Between June and August, 2024, Ominira Initiative organized seminars around democracy and entrepreneurship at the Rivers States University (RSU), University of Ibadan (UI), and Lagos State University (LASU).
While the seminars held in RSU and UI were organized in commemoration of Nigeria’s 25 years of uninterrupted democracy, the one held in LASU focused more on entrepreneurship and the role of young people in economic development. Themed “Democracy in Nigeria: Prospects for Good Governance and National Prosperity,” the seminars at RSU and UI emphasized the importance of participation in the democratic process and the role young people play in moving the country forward.
However, the seminar held at LASU, themed “Entrepreneurship & Economic Development: The Role of Youths,” focused on educating the students on the role entrepreneurship plays in economic growth, and why it is important for them to start their entrepreneurial endeavors young and be contributors to the growth and development of the country’s economy.
There were various learning sessions at the seminars including short debates, keynote speeches, and panel sessions. The panel sessions consisted of professionals from different works of life who are interested in solving socio-economic issues through their various businesses. The students in attendance were able to network and interact with one another as well as the speakers alike.
In total, the 3 seminars had over 450 participants in attendance and they all had the opportunity to receive copies of “An Introduction to Democracy” and “An Introduction to Entrepreneurship,” both written by Eamonn Butler. This is all with the support of the Initiative for African Trade and Prosperity (IATP).
