2024/2025 Venite Fresher Orientation Programme Day 5: SA to the Ekiti State Governor on Entrepreneurship Development, Dr. Abimbola Oni Empowers Students To Unlock Their Entrepreneurial Potentials

The grand finale of Venite University’s  orientation programme commenced with great enthusiasm, courtesy of Mr. Kayode Aladegbehingbe and Mr. Samuel Lowen. The distinguished keynote speaker, Dr. Abimbola Oni, Special Adviser to the Ekiti State Governor on Entrepreneurship Development, took the stage alongside other esteemed guests, Mr. Adewumi and Mr. Oluyemi Babatunde,the University’s Sports Coordinator.

Dr. Oni’s thought-provoking lecture, “The Golden Opportunities After Graduation,” served as a clarion call to students to seize the initiative, forge their own paths and unlock their entrepreneurial potential. She commended the students on being part of Venite University, which empowers them to develop vocations and shatter the shackles of unemployment.

According to Dr. Oni, Nigeria’s staggering unemployment rate of 50 million, coupled with the gross underutilization of youth, underscores the imperative of entrepreneurship in driving economic growth and stability. Her own journey, from decorating business to becoming a successful entrepreneur, served as a testament to the transformative power of entrepreneurship.

Dr. Oni emphasized that entrepreneurship is not merely a means of self – employment, but a catalyst for building self – reliant individuals and fostering economic prosperity. The lecture also highlighted the importance of vocational training, citing Turkey as a shining example of a country that prioritizes vocational education from kindergarten.

Dr. Oni identified three pivotal areas of entrepreneurship: agriculture, vocations and God – given talents. Her own experiences in adire clothing, singing and horticulture served as inspiring examples of entrepreneurial versatility.

The profile of a successful entrepreneur, according to Dr. Oni, encompasses self – confidence, determination, risk – taking, originality and vision. She emphasized that graduate entrepreneurs are a goldmine, capable of dreaming big, starting small and growing exponentially.

Dr. Oni encouraged students to explore opportunities in agriculture, citing cropping and poultry as lucrative ventures. She stressed that a well – crafted business plan, replete with market surveys, raw materials, funding sources and profit – sharing methods, is essential for entrepreneurial success.

In conclusion, Dr. Oni exhorted students to seek information from diverse sources, explore available avenues and embark on their entrepreneurial journey with courage, determination and a commitment to legitimate business practices.

Dr. Nike Kolawole, who moderated the concluding session, extolled the virtues of the erudite Dr. Oni and announced cash rewards for four students who brilliantly summarized the lecture. Aisha Sabo, on behalf of the students, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Abimbola Oni for the thought – provoking lecture.

The students responded to Dr. Oni’s lecture with overwhelming enthusiasm and gratitude, describing it as both enlightening and empowering. Many expressed newfound motivation to explore entrepreneurial ventures, with some already brainstorming ideas for agriculture and vocational projects. They lauded Dr. Oni for her relatable examples and practical advice, noting that her personal journey resonated deeply and inspired them to take bold steps toward self-reliance.