DELSU: Youth Ministry Launches Second Cycle Of Tertiary Entrepreneurship Programme

By Faith Ebireri

The Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development in Delta State, Barr. ThankGod Harry Trakiriowei, has kicked off the campus tour for the second cycle of the Tertiary Entrepreneurship Programme (TEP) at Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka.

The empowerment programme targets students with exceptional business ideas, creativity, innovation, and problem-solving abilities who lack the financial resources to bring their ideas to life.

Speaking at a well-attended sensitisation meeting with DELSU students, the Permanent Secretary for Youth Development, Dr Ngozi Mogbolu, emphasised that all structures, processes, and partnerships needed for an even more successful cycle than the first had been fully put in place by the Ministry.

She explained that, drawing from lessons learnt in the first cycle, the second edition focuses exclusively on universities, unlike the first, which included polytechnics and other tertiary institutions, and Delta State University is the first stop on the campus tour.

The commissioner thanked the Governor, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, for his continued support for youth empowerment initiatives.

“This approval by His Excellency reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to youth development and its belief in the innovative potential of Delta students,” he said, while calling for collective effort from students, institutions, and stakeholders to ensure the programme delivers maximum impact.

ALSO READ: Rights Activist Condemns Cult Clash In Agbarho

Recounting his own university days at the University of Benin where he conceived the idea for the initiative, the commissioner urged students to seize the opportunity.

“When the forms are released, fill them in with your business ideas so you can train yourselves without burdening your parents. The aim is for every youth to be empowered and financially independent,” he said, stressing that students should not view TEP as a political scheme but as genuine empowerment.

He described TEP as a deliberate intervention designed to identify and fund outstanding business ideas from students who demonstrate creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills but lack the capital to execute them.

“Within our campuses lie the next generation of entrepreneurs, innovators, and job creators. This programme exists to give them the push they need,” he added.

The President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), Amb. Dr. Onovughegor Augustine, commended the students for turning out in large numbers and described entrepreneurship as the bedrock of a growing economy.

“It is a welcome development from the Ministry of Youth. Youths should take the future now, we are not the leaders of tomorrow but the leaders of today.”

He noted that lack of finance should no longer constrain students, as TEP solves that challenge.

He thanked the Honourable Commissioner, and praised the M.O.R.E. Agenda for shifting focus towards meaningful students’ inclusion, and acknowledged the contributions of the Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship Studies, Prof. Onos, in facilitating the programme.

The Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship Studies (CES), Prof. Onos Onoriode Emoyan, expressed gratitude to the Commissioner for selecting DELSU as a beneficiary in the first phase, thanked the students for attending at short notice, and appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for his support.

He also commended the SUG President for mobilising the students.

Prof. Emoyan highlighted the university’s proud rankings “Delta State University as the best state university in the country, the leading university in the South-South and South-East regions, and the 12th best university overall in Nigeria.

Furthermore, he said: “Our entrepreneurship programme is highly competitive, we rank third in the country, behind only the University of Maiduguri and Obafemi Awolowo University.”

In her closing remarks, the Senate President, Comr. Marho thanked the Commissioner and his team on behalf of the entire DELSU community.

“We sincerely appreciate the Governor, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, the Honourable Commissioner Barr. ThankGod Harry Trakiriowei and his dedicated team for this Tertiary Entrepreneurship Programme (TEP), as well as the Director of CES, Prof. Onos. To all students and guests present, thank you for your active participation and enthusiasm.”

Barr. Trakiriowei urged students to start preparing their documents and proposals immediately to avoid a last-minute rush once the application portal opens.

Students at the event expressed excitement about the second cycle, with many already brainstorming ideas while awaiting the official launch of the portal.