The World Trade Centre in Abuja on Tuesday opened its office to young pupils, encouraging early exposure to international trade and global business opportunities.
Speaking at an event to mark this year’s Children’s Day, Vice President of WTC Abuja, Karim Ahmed, said the initiative was part of efforts to model possibilities for children and inspire them to dream beyond borders.
According to him, exposing children early to international commerce is crucial in raising future leaders and entrepreneurs capable of driving Nigeria’s global trade ambitions.
He said, “The event, the first of its kind at WTC Abuja, forms part of its Corporate Social Responsibility programme. We are part of the Global World Trade Centre Association with 333 centres across the world. Our mission is to foster international trade, development, and cultural exchange. Today, we are opening our doors to children to help them understand the future they can aspire to,” Ahmed said.
Ahmed stressed the importance of investing in children’s knowledge at a young age.
“Globally, young people are already making waves in international trade. In Nigeria, our team at the WTC is filled with young professionals breaking boundaries. That’s why we must find them young, educate them, and show them what’s possible.
“The young minds that we have invited here are able to learn about all of this and able to also aspire to become global world players in international trade. Any form of partnership that you advise the government, especially what the government can do to be able to… Look, especially for our trade services, we are also able to train in manpower development.” he said
He also noted that WTC Abuja’s Trade Services Department has rolled out a mentorship programme targeting undergraduates and young adults, aimed at grooming future leaders in trade and investment.
“It’s a new programme, but our goal is to expand it significantly and develop the next generation of trade leaders,” he added
Acknowledging the challenges faced by underprivileged and vulnerable children across the country, Ahmed expressed hope for a better future.
“We wish the world was a better place. But we hope for peace, for protection of children, and for conditions where they can be modelled into better people,”he said.
The Head of Trade Services at WTC Abuja, David Opeyemi-Oke said that since children are strategic partners in the development of a country’s future, it is important to model possibilities for them.
“Children are strategic partners in shaping the future of our continent.
“Today, they’ve seen the companies we host, the work we do in facilitating trade, and they now understand that there is a place for them in global business, ” he said.
