Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Vice President, has described the Igbo apprenticeship model as a good way for people to build wealth.
Osinbajo addressed participants at a national summit in Awka, which was convened to study the model, which is said to have produced several millionaires, virtually from Abuja.
Speaking on the model, which is known as ‘igba boi’ in Igbo, Osinbajo emphasized the need of encouraging the plan to ensure its continuation.
The Culture Of Igba Odibo (Igbo Apprenticeship) In Igbo Land
“The Igbo apprenticeship program, known as ‘igba boi,’ has grown to become Nigeria’s most popular indigenous economic institution, and is often regarded as the world’s greatest business incubator.
“The initiative has the potential to accomplish for the Nigerian economy what similar apprenticeship programs have done in many other countries, particularly Germany and India.”
“I applaud the event’s organizers, and I’m optimistic that the summit will boost the Igbo apprenticeship scheme’s expansion and opportunities.”
The Keynote speaker and Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Dr. Obiora Okonkwo, urged that the Igbo Apprenticeship Scheme be institutionalized while presenting on the theme: Repositioning The Igbo Apprenticeship Scheme For Sustainable Economic Development.
Challenges of The Igbo Apprenticeship System and Sustainable solutions
Okonkwo credited his achievements in life to the Igbo apprenticeship system, which he stated he participated in during his early years in Onitsha, Anambra State.
“I am sure some of you may have been wondering why I was chosen to deliver the keynote at this event. The simple answer is that the apprenticeship scheme and the Onitsha Main Market hold a very special place in my heart as that was where I had my first stint in business.
“My father died when I was 14 years old, forcing me to combine my secondary school education with managing the business and his apprentices. That meant I went to school in the morning and continued at the Main Market in the afternoon. That basic trading experience, in many respects, helped hone my business instincts and also instilled in me a deep sense of industry and hard work that has defined my life’s journey to date.”
When the Nnamdi Azikwe University Business School awarded him the ‘Philanthropist of the Year Award’ in July 2019, Okonkwo said it was only natural for him to try to give back by endowing a major research project on the future of Igbo entrepreneurship.
Apprenticeship System, Instrumental to High Economic Development in Nnewi
Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) and the Awka Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Mines collaborated to host the National Summit on Igbo Apprenticeship Scheme.
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