Embrace digital economy, Ex-BPE D-G, Okoh, urges young graduates

A former Director-General of Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr Alex Okoh, has urged young graduates to embrace digital economy and entrepreneurship for self-empowerment and development.

Okoh made the call during a lecture he delivered at Redeemer’s University’s 16th Convocation Lecture Series, held on Wednesday in Ede, Osun.

Supreme News reports that the lecture had as its title: “Anchored in Faith: Succeeding with Integrity in a Competitive World.”

Okoh said with the high rate of unemployment in the country, there was the urgent need for young graduates to turn to entrepreneurship and self-employment as a viable alternative to traditional jobs.

“In Nigeria, the unemployment rate remains persistently high, especially among the youth.

“The current youth unemployment rate is hovering around 33 per cent, which means many are struggling to find jobs that match their qualifications.

“I want to encourage the young graduates to see this challenge as an opportunity,” he said.

Okoh described Nigeria as a country of immense potentials, with young and vibrant population, abundant natural resources and a growing digital economy.

“Sectors such as technology, agriculture, renewable energy and creative industries are burgeoning and there are countless opportunities for innovative minds like yours to create new businesses, products and services.

“Remember some of the most successful entrepreneurs in history started their businesses during times of economic downturn.

“Challenges often provide the best environment for innovation and I believe that many of you will be the pioneers and job creators that Nigeria needs to drive its economy forward,” he said.

The former director-general urged the graduating students to hold on to the values and faith they had received while in the university.

Earlier in his remarks, Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Shadrack Akindele, called on the graduating students to be good ambassadors and continue to make a lasting positive difference in the world.