In a smart move to strengthen and create a sustainable roadmap for the activities of small and medium scale enterprises in Nigeria, Chief Operating Officer of Pan-Atlantic University, Dr. Peter Bamkole has launched a book titled “Built by Enterprise- Unlocking the Potentials of SMEs in Nigeria”.
The book launch, which was attended by Vice Chancellor, Pan-Atlantic University, Prof. Enase Okonedo, former VC Pan-Atlantic University, Prof. Albert Alos, Chief Audit Executive, Zenith Bank, Mogbitse Atsagbede representing Group CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Professor of Corporate Governance, Lagos Business School/reviewer, Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, Chairman of the event, Chief Olu Ayeni, Pro-Chancellor, Pan-Atlantic University, Father Anthony Odoh, Director, Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), Pan-Atlantic University Lagos, Ms. Nneka Okekearu and others took place at Metropolitan Club in Victoria Island Lagos.
Dr. Bamkole who was pioneer director at Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Pan-Atlantic University said, “This book promises an insightful exploration into the dynamic landscape of SMEs in Nigeria.”
He said, “Built by Enterprise is the culmination of a 20-year journey that brings to light the remarkable growth and impact of the Enterprise Development Centre, Pan -Atlantic University on SMEs in Nigeria and beyond.
The author said he uses dynamic storytelling, insightful case studies and visual maps to create this masterpiece which effortlessly awakens the entrepreneurial giant in its readers. It uncovers the challenges faced by SMEs in Nigeria, the strategies they deployed and celebrates their transformative role in shaping our economy.”
The reviewer, Prof. Ajogwu said, “Built by Enterprise is a horse’s mouth account of the remarkable execution of a vision to support entrepreneurial ventures and dreams. Dr. Peter Bamkole provides an authentic illustration of the wisdom of how ‘teaching a man how to fish’, feeds him and society on a sustainable basis.”
According to him, “The EDC story speaks to the immense value that is created when the newly taught fisherman is handheld through the value chain of suppliers and customers, access to capital, market access, and an understanding of governance and the business environment. Bamkole’s work is a masterpiece and indeed, an entrepreneur’s handbook.”
“The book was written from a place of experience and a genuine quest to impact the entrepreneurial world. This book examines the power of vision and people. It takes its reader on a journey – pours the author’s heart and mind out to the reader,” he added.
The 15 chapters book treats issues such as Ecosystem development, enabling female entrepreneurs, sustaining the social agenda, impact meets circularity, building systemic changes, building systemic changes, reaching more people through e-learning, building international networks and infrastructure to support enterprise development among many other interesting issues on entrepreneurship.
Speaking about the book, CEO, Mastercard Foundation, Reeta Roy said “Built by Enterprise chronicles the creation of EDC, which in itself, is an entrepreneurial journey. Its story is about the stories of people, whose ingenuity, passions, and determination have changed their lives as well as those around them.”
Describing the new book, Founder, Global Business School Network, USA, Guy Pfeffermann stated that this is a great book written by a wonderful person, an object lesson on how to grow a successful; institution. Enterprise Development Centre is more than a learning institution- it spawned a veritable movement.
According to Prof. Okonedo, “This book is not just about EDC, it is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship and collaboration in driving social and economic change. Beyond capturing the essence of EDC’s transformative journey, it could serve as a guide, in addition to motivating those who aspire to embark on an entrepreneurial journey,” she added.
