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Prof. Eric Eboh speaking to STEP participants.

A one-day Entrepreneurship and Business Management Training (EBMT) has been organized for the third batch of the Delta State Government’s Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP) beneficiaries of the 2019/2020 cycle.

The training which took place in Asaba was attended by 68 beneficiaries who have successfully completed their vocational training in their choice skills and have also successfully passed the Post-Training Proficiency Test (PTPT.)

Addressing the beneficiaries, the Chief Job and Wealth Creation Officer, Prof Eric Eboh, congratulated the beneficiaries on the successful completion of their trainings, emphasizing the need they were mandated to undergone the PTPT before the training in entrepreneurship and business management.

Prof Eboh said the PTPT was introduced into the programme to ensure that only those who effectively participated in the vocational training and who successfully passed the proficiency test were qualified for establishment with starter packs.

“So far, a total number of 291 STEP beneficiaries who were successful in the PTPT have gone through the EBMT in the 2019/2020 Programme Cycle with 114 in the first batch, 109 in the second and 68 in the third batch, stressing that other beneficiaries whose trainings are of a longer time are still in their training centres,” he stated.

Prof Eboh represented by the Coordinator STEP, Mr Onyeisi Nkenchor, explained that the third batch of STEP beneficiaries are those who graduated in Cosmetology; Decoration and Event Management; Fashion and Textile Design; Hairdressing, Makeover and Braiding; Information Technology Services; Plumbing; Welding and Fabrication.

He pointed out that some of them ought to have received their starter packs but are still undergoing EBMT because they failed the first PTPT organised for them and had to retrain themselves at their own cost to qualify, expressing his gratitude to the state government for giving them a second chance.

He reminded them that the Entrepreneurship and Business Management Training underscores the business and management elements in the job creation programme, stating that it was the last part of the training programme before they would be certified for establishment with starter packs.

He harped on the need for them to learn how to manage their businesses and to learn tips on effective entrepreneurship in order to compete favourably well with those who have been in business before them.

Also, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Job Creation, Hon. Patrick Okei, advised them to think outside the box and to figure out what application would help to distinguish them from their counterparts.

While praying that they multiply financially, he urged them to maintain self-discipline by adopting the right attitude at all times through effective communication strategy.

Responding on behalf of other beneficiaries, Chinonso Illomechine (Aniocha LGA) in Information Technology Services said the training has exposed her to tips on how to manage her business and to write a business plan, pledging to use the knowledge acquired to grow her business in order to employ other persons to work with her.

Blessing Ajueyitsi (Uwvie LGA) in Hairdressing, Makeover and Braiding, on her part, expressed her gratitude to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for giving her a second chance to upgrade her knowledge to enable her to become successful in the PTPT and to qualify for EMBT and starter pack.

The beneficiaries were taken through the lectures, “Starting a Business,” “Mentoring Start-Ups” and “Writing a Business Plan” by Pastor Afolabi Adun and Mr Eddy Mekwuye respectively.