Owan-Enoh Urges Young Cross Riverians to Drive Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Nigerian Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, has urged young people in Cross River state to embrace innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship.
The minister gave the charge during Cross River State Journalists (CROSSJOF) Day and the launch of the forum new magazine, ‘The Panorama’ recently in Abuja while delivering a keynote address on the theme: “Building the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs In Cross River State”. He charged the youth to be diligent and work hard to shape the economic future of the State and Nigeria in general.
He described Cross River’s unique cultural, creative, and natural resources as a fertile ground for enterprise, emphasizing that the fast-changing global economy, technological disruption, and emerging sectors like renewable energy, agri-tech, tourism tech, and digital services demand problem solvers and innovation-driven entrepreneurs.
Senator Enoh, represented by his Special Adviser (Cotton, Textile and Garment), Ms Emeh Bassey, said, “Traditional career paths alone cannot absorb the aspirations of our young people”, saying, “The next generation of business leaders will not come from inherited structures, but from those who can innovate, adapt, and collaborate.
“What’s happening in Cross River does not stay in Cross River. Innovation here has a ripple effect across Nigeria”, the Minister said, even as he encouraged youths to start small, dream big, and seize the opportunities before them to make exploits in different fields.
Enoh said with the abundant human and material resources, Cross River and Nigeria must embrace new waves of innovation and enterprise to drive sustainable economic growth and development.
However, he said realizing this dream depends heavily on effective management, good governance, and institutional quality of the leaders.
On journalists’ dual role of informing the public and holding institutions accountable, Enoh said, “Journalism is not merely a production; it is a public trust that informs, enlightens, questions, and strengthens the social fabric of a nation”.
He praised Nigerian journalists for their resilience and courage in uncovering facts despite challenges, while urging them to always celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship, especially in the youth populace, which includes creativity, innovation, and risk-taking.
The Minister said inspiring the next generation should focus on encouraging, motivating and showcasing the achievements of young entrepreneurs while also highlighting successful ventures, providing mentorship and training, and creating platforms where many can learn from experienced individuals and gain the skills and confidence to pursue their business ideas.
