As the country continues to grapple with unemployment, infrastructure deficit, power outages and restiveness among the youth, a former chief executive of a financial institution has called on rich and wealth people to invest in Nigerian youth.
Speaking in Lagos, MsBunmi Lawson, the immediate past chief executive officer of Accion Microfinance Bank, said that Nigerian youth are innovative and aspirational, adding that there is the urgent need to invest in them to channel their energy in the right path.
According to her, there are innovative enterprises that have been developed by Nigerian youth and there is needed are funds to scale them up to the next level.
The former bank chief executive asserted that there is to train the youth in different trades and skills, positing that this will have a multiplier effect on the Nigerian economy.
On people who have the means can invest in the youth, she said they should seek out enterprises owned by youth that have a track record and invest in them. She posited that they can invest by bringing in funds into the company; they can bring their wealth of experience to bear on the operations of the company.
“If you have the funds and experience, get involved one way or the other. There are many enterprising young Nigerians who need funding and mentoring to scale up what they are doing, you can invest in them after assessing their track record. It may turn out to be a good bet,” the former said.
On her enterprising young people can attract investment into their business, she said they must document every transaction in their business, adding good record keeping is a requisite to success in a business.
Lawson said that there are too many idle hands that need training to be able to contribute to the economy. She stated this was an unsustainable situation that may portend danger to society.
She disclosed that she is now preoccupied with how to help the poor access fund and expand financial inclusion in the country.
