The Ekiti State Government has commenced a training and empowerment programme targeting over 5,000 young women to become Small and Medium Scale Entrepreneurs.
Ekiti News reports that the move is part of the efforts by the Oyebanji Administration to enhance the economic landscape of the state.
Mrs. Tayo Adeola, the State Commissioner for Trade, Investment, Industry, and Cooperatives, disclosed this during the official commencement of a 3-day training programme on Business Management and Financial Literacy for Ekiti Female Youths in Ado Ekiti.
The programme, aimed at encouraging young women to engage in business activities, was facilitated by the State Government in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), the Enterprise Development Centre, and Pan-Atlantic University.
Mrs. Adeola emphasized the administration’s commitment to partnering with individuals and corporate organizations, stating that the workshop marks the beginning of the programme’s implementation.
She highlighted the administration’s dedication to supporting initiatives that uplift youths in the state, addressing unemployment and poverty.
The Commissioner recalled recent efforts by the administration, including facilitating a N1.5 billion fund to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), with N1 billion allocated as low-interest working capital for cooperatives, and an additional N500 million loan programme with Access Bank for medium and small-scale businesses.
Assuring inclusion of male youths in government empowerment initiatives, Adeola revealed ongoing efforts to enroll them in government databases and launch programmes tailored to their needs.
The Commissioner urged programme beneficiaries to seize the opportunities provided by the State government to enhance their economic status, encouraging active participation and utilization of acquired knowledge and skills for business promotion. Participants will receive training in website design, branding, and free Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration upon completion of the programme.
Mrs. Deborah Odere, speaking on behalf of other participants, expressed gratitude to the State Government for its commendable and people-oriented programmes. She pledged to utilize the imparted knowledge and skills effectively for quality service delivery and economic sustainability.