The Delta State Government has approved the Second Cycle of the Tertiary Entrepreneurship Programme, TEP, aimed at empowering students across tertiary institutions with practical business skills and funding support. The Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr. Harry ThankGod Trakiriowei, confirmed the development during a sensitization meeting with students of the University of Delta, UNIDEL, Agbor, and Dennis Osadebe University, Awai.
He expressed appreciation to the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, for sustaining youth-focused development initiatives through what he described as sustainable empowerment programmes.
The Commissioner stated that the Ministry of Youth Development is fully ready to commence immediate implementation of the new cycle, assuring students of a transparent and impactful process. According to him, structures, operational frameworks, and strategic partnerships have been strengthened to ensure the second cycle performs better than the previous one. Barr. Trakiriowei noted that the programme’s overall success depends on cooperation among institutions, partners, and the student community, urging students to make good use of the opportunity by participating and following all guidelines.
He announced that the online application portal for TEP will soon open and encouraged eligible students to get their business ideas and supporting documents ready for submission. The Commissioner explained that TEP targets students with exceptional and innovative entrepreneurship ideas but lack the financial capacity to commercialize their concepts. He expressed confidence in the creativity of Delta youths, noting that their ideas could lead to enterprises capable of driving economic growth.
To ensure fairness and orderliness, he outlined the selection criteria that will guide the process. These include being a registered student of a tertiary institution in Delta State, submitting a feasible and impactful business idea or skill-based proposal, and demonstrating innovation, originality, or social benefit in the proposed project. Applicants are also expected to complete the online form, upload relevant documents, and show readiness to undergo training, mentorship, and monitoring. Compliance with programme rules and timelines is also mandatory.
Barr. Trakiriowei thanked Governor Oborevwori for championing youth empowerment and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to helping young people turn creative ideas into viable ventures. “Together, let us work to build a future where no brilliant idea dies because of lack of funding,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, Dr Ngozi Mogbolu, advised eligible students to prepare their concepts and documents ahead of time for a smooth application process. She also appreciated Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for approving the Second Cycle of the TEP programme, adding that the initiative will help produce as many entrepreneurs as possible.
The sensitization meeting was attended by university representatives, stakeholders in the youth development space, and members of the press, who were briefed on the programme’s goals and the anticipated impact on young innovators in Delta State.
