Centre Unveils Handbook To Deepen Inclusivity, Equality In Entrepreneurship

The Pan-Atlantic University, Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), has launched a handbook on inclusive and equitable entrepreneurship programming in Nigeria.

The Handbook was launched at Four Points by Sheraton in Lagos recently. According to EDC, the Handbook is a rich resource designed to support the implementation of inclusive and equitable entrepreneurship programmes.

Speaking at the launch, director, Enterprise Development Centre, Pan-Atlantic University, Dr. Nneka Okekearu said, “In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, having access to reliable and practical information is more important than ever, and this handbook aims to provide just that.”

“The content of the book has been carefully curated and developed by a team of experts, whose collective knowledge and experience are reflected in each chapter. Their dedication to producing a resource that is not only informative but also accessible and actionable has resulted in a handbook that will serve as a valuable tool for organisations and individuals who daily strive to promote entrepreneurship in an inclusive and equitable way,” she said.

According to her, In the last 21 years, EDC, Pan-Atlantic University have done a lot of programs around entrepreneurship across the country and sub-Saharan Africa, and we realised that there are a lot of gaps when it comes to inclusivity and making sure it is equitable. That is why we came up with this handbook specifically, the work we have done in the last five years with the Mastercard Foundation on transforming the youth of Nigerian lives through capacity building and changing their mind set also brought this to light.”

Speaking on the drive for inclusivity and equality in Nigeria, Prof. Enase Okonedo, vice chancellor, Pan-Atlantic University, said “I think one has to drive it because it is not a role that we can limit to only one sector either private sector or public sector. It has to be the entire ecosystem because a lot of actors are involved.”

The keynote speaker, country director, Mastercard Foundation Rosy Fynn, who spoke on the topic; ‘Inclusive and Equitable Entrepreneurship Programming’ said, “Inclusive and equitable entrepreneurship is about ensuring that women, young people, people living with disabilities, internally displaced persons and other vulnerable groups have equal opportunities to start, sustain, and grow businesses.”