U.S. Consulate, FSD train 105 entrepreneurs on trade promotion

United States Consulate is partnering with Field of Skill and Dreams (FSD) Academy to train 105 Nigerians in entrepreneurial skills to promote investment.

Speaking at the third edition of the two-day conference, U.S. consulate Public Affairs Officer, Russell Brooks, said America offered its support because entrepreneurs are the future of Africa, who could produce an economy that is less dependent on a single commodity making Nigeria a leading nation in the world.

Brooks said: “We believe you represent the future of this continent. We believe that Nigeria’s people, especially its young people are its greatest resource, and they can produce a more prosperous future for Nigeria, one less dependent on a single commodity, instead, one capable of inventing new products and services that will be attractive to markets around the world, producing the growth, jobs, and incomes that will enable Nigeria to take its rightful place among the leading nations of the world.”

He appreciated the founder of FSD and mentors for taking out time to share wisdom and experience with the budding entrepreneurs. 

He also advised the trainees that to succeed there is need to “know your product better than anyone, know your customer, and have a burning desire to succeed.”

Founder, FSD Academy, Omowale Ogunrinde, said the school was birthed out of a desire to have professionals in various vocational skills. 

She said 905 people have been trained this year, and has run for 15 years.

“Since inception, we decided not to train just artisans but professionals in various skills to boost confidence in the service they render.”

She noted that the journey initially was very tough, but in recent years, lots of progress has been recorded, with more associations opting to be partners like the United States consulate that have worked with them to empower over 200 people.

Ogunrinde explained that people acquire skills to evade poverty and unemployment but if not given quality education, it can result to losses.

“The reason one acquires a skill is probably to get out of unemployment, poverty, get sustainable income, but we see a lot of vocational training center that cannot offer quality training to people who come to them. Everybody wants vocational training, but if the quality were not right, losses would be accrued from the venture.

“FSD offers quality training with international standard and a curriculum that keeps evolving and improving, causing an exceptional result from our students, their involvement in big international and local companies and emergence of start-ups,” she added.