In a strategic move, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) is championing economic empowerment through the distribution of start-up kits.
This initiative aims to propel both entrepreneurs and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) toward economic self-sufficiency. Director-general Mr Charles Odii, announced this transformative development in Abuja on Friday, unveiling the initiative under the National Business Skills Development Initiative (NBSDI).
The initiative underscores the federal government’s commitment to inclusivity, specifically targeting the empowerment of youth, women, and PWDs.
A group of 55 individuals in the Federal Capital Territory emerged as trailblazers, receiving specialised training, certificates, and essential start-up kits.
The distribution included 35 budding fashion entrepreneurs equipped with industrial machines, 10 prospective caterers with mixers, gas cylinders, and industrial ovens, and entrepreneurs venturing into leatherworks received machinery essential to kickstart their businesses.
This wave of empowerment is poised to resonate nationally, simultaneously unfolding in 13 states with 55 participants in each state, bringing the total of empowered individuals to an impressive 715.
Odii underscored the pivotal role small businesses play in national development, reaffirming unwavering government support.
“India and China transformed their economies by focusing on entities like yours – small businesses,” emphasised Odii, highlighting the administration’s tangible commitment to SMEs development.
Challenging the recipients, he urged, “Play your part, put the knowledge you have acquired into action, and we will support you.” Importantly, he encouraged them not to divest the provided kits but to deploy them, not only for personal growth but to empower others, thereby contributing to job creation.
Taking centre stage, the minister of state for Youth, Ayodele Olawande, presented items and certificates to the participants.
“55 people can turn this country around if we are determined,” Olawande declared, challenging each participant to train at least 10 others within the next six months. Rewards were promised for those achieving this ambitious goal.
Emphasising the importance of skills acquisition, Olawande stressed, “If a productive youth has two or more skills, we would have advanced more than where we are today.”
He advocated a paradigm shift from the traditional focus on white-collar jobs to a model where every Nigerian youth acquires at least two skills.
Expressions of gratitude resonated among the recipients. Mr. Adero Umar, an awardee from the PWD community, expressed heartfelt thanks, affirming, “I will not roam the streets begging because I have acquired a skill.”
Ashiru Abdullahi, an established fashion designer, appreciated the agency, foreseeing business expansion with the industrial sewing machine.
Miss Okeoghene Akaeva, a caterer, expressed her happiness for the opportunity to acquire a skill and the excitement of receiving unexpected kits.
She thanked the agency and the federal government, expressing her hope for the program’s continuity to benefit more aspiring entrepreneurs.
SMEDAN’s latest initiative marks a substantial stride toward empowering individuals with both skills and tools, fostering inclusive economic growth and entrepreneurship throughout Nigeria.
The anticipated ripple effect of this initiative is expected to create a wave of positive transformation in the nation’s economic landscape.
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