Kudecho Khamo, Vilone Sakhrie along with other officials and trainees during the culmination programme of the 18 Chozuba A/C Baking and Confectionery Training Programme on August 28.
Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 28
Nagaland Civil Administrative Works Division (CAWD) Advisor Kudecho Khamo today said there is immense potential for local entrepreneurs in businesses such as groceries, bakery and confectionery and urged Naga people to take up such ventures instead of relying on outsiders.
He was addressing the culmination programme of the 18 Chozuba A/C Baking and Confectionery Training Programme, organised in collaboration with the Women Resources Development (WRD), Government of Nagaland, and funded under the Local Area Development Fund (LADF) of 18 Chozuba A/C, at the WRD Conference Hall, Meriema.
Khamo said Nagas need to rediscover their potential and think beyond themselves, maintaining that thinking itself is capital.
He observed that many young people continue to view government employment as the only avenue for livelihood, even accepting fixed-pay jobs with meagre salaries.
The advisor said Naga people should not have to rely on outsiders for groceries, bakery products and confectionery items, as these are businesses that are well within the capabilities of local entrepreneurs and have a ready market.
Every successful entrepreneur, he said, starts with a modest investment, adding that a business can even begin from one's kitchen. What is required, he maintained, is willingness, determination and the courage to overcome challenges.
He encouraged the trainees to aspire to become employers rather than merely job seekers, while continuing to learn and improve their skills.
Khamo said Nagaland has immense potential for entrepreneurship, with access to markets and decent capital for those willing to pursue their ventures with dedication and commitment. He emphasised the importance of skill-based education and developing a skilled workforce to seize available opportunities.
Pointing to the potential of the food processing industry in the state, he said Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio had allocated separate funds to MLAs, which were being utilised for the upliftment of the people.
He further stressed the need for aspiring entrepreneurs to build the confidence of banks by maintaining proper project proposals, financial discipline and account records to help them start and expand their businesses.
In his opening remarks, Vilone Sakhrie, Director of WRD, Government of Nagaland, shared how the collaboration for the training programme came about and appreciated Khamo's leadership and vision for the empowerment of women.
He advised the trainees to remain grateful for the opportunity and make the best use of the skills acquired through the training to achieve greater things.
Also speaking on the occasion, Vekhozo Ringa, Headmaster of GHS Japan Riba, said entrepreneurship was essential to assert one's existence, compete and survive in today's increasingly competitive world.
He challenged the trainees to think beyond their comfort zones and strive to do things differently.
Reflections on the training programme were shared by Baking and Confectionery Instructor Aoakum Difusa and trainee Dutalu Nienu.
The programme was led by Asangla Sato, SSI while vote of thanks was proposed by Rukuzo Khamo, General Secretary, NPF COB.
Machineries were distributed to the trainees by Khamo, followed by a prayer of dedication by Rev. Vezopa Rhakho, Pastor, CBCK.
