19th February, 2021.
Good morning, Ladies and Gentlemen I welcome you all to this special occasion, Ora Nwezue Aku 2021.
Let me start by thanking the Almighty God for keeping us all alive even as the world battles the deadly Covid-19 pandemic. It has been a challenging year for everyone around the world. There is no single one of us who has not been effected by this pandemic. But we have continued to weather on!
In a special way, I wish to profoundly appreciate our sponsor, Engr. Johnbosco Onunkwo, the grand commander of Anambra youths, God bless you and grant you success in all your endeavors.
In a special way, I appreciate my boss and brother, the facilitator of this program, Comr. Frank Maduka JP for all his assistance towards the success and sustainability of NYCC in the state, May God reward you immensely.
My unadulterated royalty and respect to the planning Committee of this epoch program and entire members of the NYCC, they remain the giant pillar that holds the foundation of the Chamber firmly. I say thank you all.
Having said that, I want to look at the positive moments we have shared and the little wins we have achieved so far, especially in the past one year.
Here at the Nigerian Youth Chamber of Commerce, Anambra State Chapter, we have always done our best in achieving the objectives of the organization . In 2020, amidst lockdown and public gathering restrictions, over 275 persons benefited from our several entrepreneurship programs of which the CBN AGSMEIS LOAN program is one of them.
Let me quickly say that I am fully aware of the delays in disbursement and challenges some of the participants of CBN AGSMEIS LOAN are currently experiencing. I want to assure you that I am always in contact with the officials of Nirsal Microfinance Bank and they have repeatedly assured me that the issues will be resolved soon. Please let us continue to be optimistic.
Same last year, during our January access to funding program, 123 youths got selected for the first phase of the $5000 Tony Elumelu Foundation program grant which was later shifted to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
Through our viable relationship with the state ministry of youth and ASBA, we registered 1,520 youths for the Federal government free CAC registration which the certificates will be handed over to the beneficiaries as soon as possible.
I am proud of our progress so far and I am optimistic that we will achieve more this year.
And that brings me to the theme of today’s occasion: Ora Nwezue Aku 2021.
Let me say this with my shoulder high, this event will be reputed as one of our biggest events so far. The knowledge and opportunities that will be shared today are immeasurable. Your life as an entrepreneur will not be the same after this event. Trust me on this. We have invited numerous institutions to discuss their funding and other empowerment opportunities. Let me recognise the presence of the following institutions:
1. Anambra state small business agency (ASBA).
2.Central Bank of Nigeria
3. Anambra State Ministry of Agriculture
4. Anambra State Ministry Of Youth Empowerment and Creative Economy.
5. Anambra State Ministry of Trade and Commerce
6. Bank of Industry
7. Federal Ministry of Youth
8. Nirsal Microfinance Bank
9. Tony Elumelu Foundation.
10. Johnbosco Onunkwo Foundation.
11. Small and medium business development agency of Nigeria, (SMEDAN).
I want to encourage all members of the Chamber and other participants to, please pay attention to all the speakers today and ensure that you take something home and not only that, rigorously follow up any instructions to a logical conclusion bearing in mind that no reputable institutions will fund any unserious business.
I am particularly interested in all the subjects that will be addressed today: Access to Business Grant, Access to soft loans, Access to viable network, Access to mentorship and Access to organized Business Development Service Providers.
Huge opportunity! Take something home, please!
I want to assure you that we will continue to play our part in the interest of all members. We have set a lot of goals for the year and I am hopefully that we will achieve them.
The future of this great nation and state lies majorly on the hands young entrepreneurs which is me and you, we must not disappoint.
The fight against unemployment is ours and we must make sure we win.
Together, we shall uplift our nation to a capitalist society.
Thank you and God bless you all.
Arinze Omenwa,
State Director Nigerian Youth Chamber of Commerce Anambra State Chapter.
Convener, Ora Nwezue Aku.
Dont expect me to read speech in any function, I usually do heart to heart discussion considering the understanding of the target audience…
