An entrepreneur and proprietor of SADCO Group Nigeria Limited, Sadiq Idris-Dabo, has identified entrepreneurship as a critical pathway to societal growth and development.
He made this assertion while delivering a lecture titled “How a Person Can Stand on His/Her Feet” during the Kofar Gayan Low-Cost 1st Youth Dialogue 2025 Sallah Occasion, held on Sunday at Kofar Gayan Low Cost in Zaria, Kaduna State. The event was organised by the youth wing of the Kofar-Gayan Low-Cost Community Development Association.
Mr Idris-Dabo emphasised that patience, truthfulness, loyalty, prayer, and consistency are essential ingredients for achieving business success.
He further advised that aspiring entrepreneurs must first develop a sound business plan and remain committed to it. “Always believe that it’s God Almighty that protects and provides. Therefore, as youth, strive hard to learn trades instead of relying on the government for white-collar jobs. At the same time, study hard to obtain certificates, but bear in mind that a degree is not an automatic ticket to employment,” he said.
Mr Idris-Dabo added that no trade or business is too small and urged young people to approach their ventures with dedication and focus. He also cautioned against reckless spending, noting that a successful entrepreneur must be disciplined in managing finances.
On the subject of mentorship, he challenged accomplished individuals to contribute positively to their communities. “As a person, what did you do to change the life of even one person for the better in your community?” he asked.
Also speaking at the event, Dr AbdulWasiu AbdurRahman of the University of Abuja, while presenting a paper titled “Education and Opportunities”, highlighted the importance of academic excellence. He stated that any student who scores 270 points in the UTME, alongside five distinctions in the SSCE, WAEC, or NECO, would be eligible for an automatic scholarship from Nile University.
Dr AbdurRahman encouraged the association to establish a forum to guide secondary school graduates on course selection and scholarship opportunities, both locally and internationally. He also stressed the need for graduates to learn how to prepare effective Curriculum Vitae (CVs), as requirements differ between public and private sector employment.
The Chairman of the association, Shamsuddeen Aliyu, explained that the group was formed through the merger of several smaller associations in the area to foster unity and collective progress.
He noted that the association boasts numerous young doctors and professors among its members and underscored the importance of patience, tolerance, and understanding in leadership. He also commended the association’s security committee for its role in maintaining peace within the community.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion and head of the Security Committee, Idris Mai-mai, said the dialogue was intended to steer youth away from social vices and towards building a responsible and productive society.
He urged young people to make effective use of their youthful energy and to contribute meaningfully to the development and security of the area.
One of the youth leaders, Abdu-Aziz Zakariyya, recalled that the initiative began during Eid-el-Fitr celebrations and had now been expanded during Eid-el-Kabir in an effort to sustain it as an annual event. He said the gathering aimed to promote mentorship and provide young people with opportunities to thrive for the benefit of both themselves and society.
