TAFTA seeks tax rebates, security for young entrepreneurs

The Terra Academy for the Arts (TAFTA) has called on both federal and state governments to address insecurity and provide tax rebates and incentives for young entrepreneurs to help them establish and grow sustainable businesses. Joseph Umoibom, the Academy Lead, made this plea during the second edition of the Ogun Women Entrepreneurship Development Programme (WEDP) organized by TAFTA in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta.

Umoibom highlighted insecurity as a significant hurdle for entrepreneurship, especially in the creative industry where individuals often need to move around and work beyond regular hours. He emphasized that the government should create an environment where entrepreneurs can operate safely and freely. Addressing the government's role in boosting entrepreneurship, Umoibom stated that the priority of any government should be ensuring safety and security for its citizens, allowing them to move freely at any hour of the day or night.

The Academy Lead urged young entrepreneurs to prioritize integrity and problem-solving to build successful careers in entrepreneurship. He stressed that people tend to distrust those who cut corners and struggle to convince them to do business. Umoibom suggested that entrepreneurs focus on solving problems, as people are willing to pay for solutions to their issues. He also encouraged entrepreneurs to look beyond their individual needs and consider the potential impact their businesses can have on others.

Oluwafemi Oluwasuyi, the Programme Manager for Ogun State at TAFTA, reported that the academy had trained over 67,000 young Nigerians in Lagos, Ogun, and Kano states over the past four years, with more than 25,000 of them being trained in Ogun State alone. The WEDP, held over three days, focused on equipping young people with entrepreneurial knowledge, mentorship, and business support.

The second cohort of the programme, consisting of 400 women, aimed to groom participants for entrepreneurship by introducing them to successful business models and providing guidance on thriving in Nigeria's challenging business environment.

Oluwasuyi emphasized that the programme offered participants networking opportunities, business mentorship, and support in moving from having business ideas to establishing and scaling viable enterprises. The Ogun State Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Adebola Sofela, acknowledged the role of women entrepreneurs in economic growth, job creation, and community development.

She commended TAFTA for organizing the WEDP, stating that such initiatives are crucial in helping entrepreneurs transition from having business ideas to building enterprises that can create jobs. Sofela urged women to embrace technology, maintain proper business records, understand their customers, build strong brands, and prioritize integrity to achieve entrepreneurial success.