By Gertrude Onyekachukwu-UTEH:

ELLIS EKENE EMMANUEL is the CEO of Vatigo Cakes and Catering located in Asaba. He hails from Ndokwa East Local Government Area. Though a graduate of Library and Information Science, his passion is to become his own boss with special interest in the hospitality industry. This passion motivated him to enroll for Catering and Confectionery in the Delta State Government’s Skills Training and Entrepreneurship programme (STEP) in the 2019/2020 Cycle.

One year after, Emmanuel is working hard to carve a niche for himself as a trainer/instructor and an entrepreneur. Interestingly, he is still developing his skills through further trainings. Hear him.

“STEP is a big boost for me. After my HND, I worked in two hotels in Kaduna and in Abuja respectively where I acquired some culinary skills, but I needed a platform to help me establish a business of my own. For that reason, I am fortunate to be enrolled in STEP. I operate from home and the patronage is good. I network with my trainees during elaborate events to cater for my clients.

“STEP afforded me the opportunity to acquire more professional knowledge on how I can manage my own business. Since establishment, I have enrolled for a master class in continental dishes and have worked as a trainer/instructor with a major job creation trainer in Catering and Confectionery for six months where I trained 12 STEP and 15 WESAP trainees.

I currently have scheduled a week training in selected pastries for 16 persons in my church for free by way of giving back to society. Through STEP, I now cater for my needs and am billed to be in Lagos for a six-month training on preparation of continental dishes.