ENTREPRENEURSHIP
How Beautiful Nigerian Female Graduate Turns Shoemaker

Delta State beautiful lady, Michelle Ekure, a graduate of University of Benin has said joblessness of six years after graduation led her to shoemaking, saying she got her inspiration from God.
Michelle born into the family of Mr. Ekure in Eku, Delta State, is a graduate of the department of International Studies and Diplomacy from the University of Benin, ventured into shoemaking, designing patterns and building shoes herself to bid farewell to joblessness.
Michelle, in an interview with Wazobia Global Times USA, explained how the journey into shoemaking started for her.
See excerpts from the interview below :
So Why shoemaking?
Michelle: My inspiration is from God, I never knew I would be a shoemaker. I graduated from the University six years ago, after which I looked for job, but to know avail. At sometimes I got employed by a company in Lagos, but the boss was owing too much so I left.
On how it started, there is this other company I buy sandals in Lagos and resell. They sell nice shoes, so one day I thought to myself that I can tell this people to make sandals for me with my label, so I approached them and they said yes. That was how I got my first set of shoes. Then a friend introduced me to a guy that makes shoes. I watch him make shoes one day and I was amazed then I asked him to teach me and he did.
That’s a lovely beginning.
Michelle : hmm. Thanks
So how do you drive sales and who are your target customers?
Michele : My target audience are Men of honours, people like the famous Nigerians comedian Alibaba…lol . I make direct sales, but I drive more sales on social media platforms likeinstagram, facebook and twitter. Micheleleather sales per week is over 50 pairs.
Wow! That’s a great number. You must be a workaholic. Do you have partners?
Michelle: No, maybe someday. But I have people that are learning under me.
How many are your apprentice?
Michelle: There are about 6 of them and more are still coming.
Talking about the Nigerian famous comedian Alibaba. We’ve seen pictures of you with him. Are you in anyway related?
Michelle: No we’re not related, but he is like a father to me. He always want to see me succeed.
So, if not shoemaking, what would you have ventured into?
Michelle: Maybe work at foreign affairs of British council or UN embassy. I love to be a diplomat.
Hmm. That might come to pass one day.
Michelle: Yeah. (smile)
So, what’s your advice to young ladies that are yet to find there ways out there?
Michelle: I always tell people I come in contact with that are looking for job to start something, anything you are good at can bring money to you or just learn a trade.
Is there anything else (e.g unpopular fun fact about you) you’d like to add that might be interesting to our readers?
Michelle: Hmm… Let them find out.
I’m a very interesting person be with though, I have my moment.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Franka Undie Pioneers AI Solutions In Healthcare, Garners Distinction, Special Award From Foreign Varsity
Franka Undie, a Nigerian from Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State has graduated from the RUDN University with the highest distinction in Applied Mathematics and Informatics/Data Science and Digital Transformation in her Master’s degree. Her outstanding achievements include receiving a special award for her groundbreaking scientific research aimed at revolutionizing the healthcare sector through artificial intelligence (AI).

Mrs Franca Undie Okache
Recalled that In 2019, Franka Undie captured national and international attention when she received over 20 MSc admissions from prestigious universities around the world. Opting to pursue her studies at RUDN University, she has since demonstrated unparalleled dedication and brilliance, culminating in her recent graduation with a distinction in MSc degree.
Mrs. Okache’s MSc thesis has set a new benchmark in the application of AI in healthcare. Her research focuses on developing an AI system that not only aids doctors in decision-making but also provides clear, understandable explanations for its recommendations. This innovation is designed to enhance the decision-making process in medical practice, enabling doctors to make better-informed choices based on comprehensive patient data.
Her AI system stands out for its user-friendly interface, which demystifies complex AI algorithms, making them accessible to medical professionals without extensive technical backgrounds. This breakthrough holds the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes by ensuring that medical decisions are both data-driven and comprehensible.
Franka’s exceptional work has not gone unnoticed. She was honoured with a special award by RUDN University for her scientific contributions, highlighting the impact and importance of her research in the field of AI and healthcare. This accolade is proof of her innovative spirit and the practical relevance of her work.
Beyond her academic and research accomplishments, Mrs. Franka Matthew Okache’s personal life also reflects a commitment to excellence and service. She is married to Mr. Matthew Okache ANIPR, the Chief Press Secretary to Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly. Her family and friends are immensely proud of her achievements and the positive representation she brings to Nigeria on the global stage.
BUSINESS
Towering Profile of Cross River-Born Pro African Entrepreneur, Apuye Angiating
Apuye Angiating is an experienced, multi-competent, and Pro African Entrepreneur with a proven track record of excellence in the agricultural, real estate, investment banking and healthcare sectors. He has a knack for turning ideas into creative impactful brands that address the unmet needs of the underserved and at-risk communities, focusing on developing local content/potential to compete with global brands.

Mr Apuye Angiating
He has a passion for promoting youth and women productivity, which has led to the creation of brands with an inclusive ideology evident in the composition of his team and workforce. His entrepreneurial drive to help accelerate sectorial growth and entrepreneurship is playing a pivotal role to create jobs and self-reliance in a competitive economy like ours.
Mr Apuye Angiating is a USA based Agropreneur and the MD/CEO of Uteb Agro Consult and Farms Co. Ltd, with presence in Ondo State, Ekiti State and Cross River State. A reputable and established Agroprenuer with large scale farming projects in Ondo and Ekiti States, in maize/corn cultivation, creating employment for several members of these states. From the humble beginning as a small-scale farmer in Akure, Ondo State, his journey into agriculture and farming has been one of continuous growth and innovation.
Over the years, he has expanded his operations to encompass 175 hectares of farmland with ambitious plans to reach 1000 hectares and beyond within the next five years. This expansion is not just a testament to his vision but also a reflection of his unwavering commitment to promoting agro-allied services and driving sustainable growth in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Innovation is at the heart of everything he does, from precision agriculture techniques to the adoption of climate smart practices, he is constantly exploring new ways to enhance productivity.
In a bid to promote indigenous excellence, Mr. Angiating has established the Superfine Vegetable Oil Factory in Bebuagbong Village, Ipong, Obudu LGA of Cross River State. The Superfine Vegetable Oil Factory is a testament to his commitment to local empowerment and sustainable development. As the first indigenous vegetable oil factory in Cross River State, he takes immense pride in pioneering an era of agricultural excellence. With state-of-the-art oil processing machines and a cutting-edge oil refinery, the superfine vegetable oil factory epitomizes the fusion of tradition and technology, delivering unparallel quality with every oil drop. Superfine vegetable oil is produced, refined and packaged to perfection in nutritional value in the 21st century.
The Uteb Agro Mentorship Hub pioneered and powered by Mr Apuye Angiating is a catalyst for entrepreneurial growth and development providing support, resources, and mentorship to budding entrepreneurs and established businesses alike. Through this mentorship program, he provides agricultural inputs and financial support to women and youths who aspires to venture into agriculture. Mr. Angiating is also planning a scholarship scheme to support Northern Cross River State students who are studying agriculture in tertiary institutions.
Currently Mr. Angiating is looking homeward with a proposed plan to establish cassava and maize projects in Cross River State. The discussion is on-going with the Commissioner for Agriculture, Cross River State and other community stakeholders.
As an Innovative entrepreneur, over the years he has created and established new business models to generate profit, accomplish company goals, and assist his community. With applied creativity, he has identified opportunities, developed innovative business models to meet consumer needs, improved market competitiveness, and transform ideas into business success. These are vital in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and addressing modern societal needs to push the boundaries of progress.
Considering his Entrepreneurial pedigree, Mr Apuye Angiating has been nominated as the Innovative Entrepreneur Man of the Year 2024 by Yala Achievers Award which is slated for July 28th at Transcorp Calabar, Calabar . This is to celebrate his remarkable accomplishments of who has shown immense and outstanding entrepreneurial innovation, leadership, creativity, and dedication towards providing gainful employment for Cross Riverians and Nigerians at large. The growing importance of Apuye’s works highlights his crucial role in encouraging innovation, inspiring future entrepreneurs, and driving economic growth.
Apuye Angiating holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from the prestigious Howard University, Washington DC, USA. He is married to Victoria Utebye Angiating and the marriage is blessed with three lovely kids
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
National Career Fair Moves To Provide 6000 Jobs Nationwide

Nigeria’s biggest annual symposium on career information, business development, employment and economic opportunities for students, young professionals and SMEs in Nigeria, National Career Fair, NCF, has moved to provide 6000 fresh jobs for unemployed graduates nationwide.
The annual event which is back for its 6th edition is designed to reduce the growing unemployment rate in Nigeria and respond to the growing needs of the society- student undergraduates, graduates through an all-encompassing career information program; and has this year introduced a Nationwide campaign tagged “#EmployAnIntern” in a bid to create instant jobs for Youths and students.
According to the convener of the NCF, Oluwaseun Shogbamu, “The #EmployAnIntern campaign is designed to engage a growing Nigerian workforce positively. The campaign encourages Organizations, to employ interns all around the country on the NCF platform that have been trained in work etiquette and professionalism either on the short or long term basis. The campaign is directed at both established companies and entrepreneurs, thus opening the minds of students, job seekers and youths to a whole new world of job descriptions they never thought existed.”
He added that the nationwide tour of the annual free symposium which will begin in Lagos at the Main Auditorium of the prestigious University of Lagos on the 7th of December, 2017 will be held across the six geo-political zones in the country and will also feature sixty (60) speakers and professionals while partnering with top HR personnel, Vocational training institutes, as well as Capacity Building-Oriented oraganisations.
The organisers of the National Career Fair however urged youth to take advantage of its platform to enhance personal branding by either volunteering for the event in various states or applying for various job and internship opportunities to be provided during the course of the nationwide tour.
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