The Church and Entrepreneurship – Hope for the Youth in Nigeria

Abstract

The informal sector is termed to be vibrant because it accounts for one-third of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and creates 90% of new jobs globally. In Nigeria, the situation is not different, yet the government has failed to effectively harness the potentials of entrepreneurs (those who work and own businesses in this sector) and link them to the real sector. This
continues to undermine the potential for economic growth and relegate the youth who often seek refuge in this sector. The main thrust of this paper, therefore, is to challenge the Church as a model and vital social institution to use its gifts, resources and experiences to help young people become useful citizens. The recommendations that were made include: (a) that the church should facilitate the on-going reforms in the financial sector with the aim of reducing the obstacles in obtaining soft loans. The church should influence government policy to properly stream-line an efficient process of registering a business or enterprise with the Corporate Affairs Commission
(CAC).