Entrepreneurship tool for sustainable national development, says group

This is contained in a communique it issued at the end of the five-day National Conference organised by IICEP made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Thursday.

The communiqué was signed by Prof. Emeka Ikenga-Dennis and Dr Edwin Morah, IICEP Chairman and Secretary, Local Organizing Committee.

NAN reports that the national conference was done virtually with participants all over the world.

According to the communiqué, the conference theme of “Promoting Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development” is in tandem with the General Resolution 73/225 on entrepreneurship for sustainable development adopted in 2018.

It said that entrepreneurship made important contributions towards sustainable development by creating jobs, driving economic growth and innovation.

“It improves social conditions and addresses social and environmental challenges in the context of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goal

”It identified access to finance as a major impediment militating against the growth of SMEs in Nigeria,” it said.

The communique further said there was need to explore alternative innovative sources of finance for SMEs growth and sustainable development in Nigeria,” it said.

It also emphasised the need for green entrepreneurs to adopt green technology in solving societal problems which would be anchored on fulfilling the three pillars of sustainability – environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainable development.

According to the communiqué, there is need to tackle challenges of solid waste management such as inherent policy gaps, financial incapacitation, technological inadequacies as well as negative attitudes of citizens on waste management.

It also recommended a study tour of some developed and developing countries that were adept in solid waste management

The communiqué noted that lack of attention given to mental wellness as well as physical wellness in the work place and at the home front minimises optimal human capital development and productivity necessary for sustainable development.

“Therefore, government should take a bold policy step to promote mental wellness and well being programmes at homes and workplaces.

“There is also need for more support to rural women and more practicable ways of bridging the gender gaps for sustainable and inclusive development,” it added.

On insecurity, it added that massive insecurity was having debilitating effects on existing SMEs and same time, discouraging start-ups.

It, however, advocated for robust and proactive policy pathways as panaceas in tackling the insecurity challenges and enhancing entrepreneurial activities in Nigeria.