The Honorable Minister of Women Affairs, Barr Uju Kenendy Ohanenye has commended the management of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) for integrating Nigerian women and youths into its empowerment programs which aligns with the present administration’s renewed hope policy thrust.
She made this statement during formal introduction of a desk for women and youth empowerment by SMEDAN for targeted programs and inclusive measures as part of measures by the agency of placing emphasis on women and youth development in Nigeria.
While indicating Ministry of Women Affairs’ readiness to partner with SMEDAN for inclusive growth and equip female entrepreneurs with modern tools, Barr Uju also inspected SMEDAN’s common facility center, equipped for women’s use and expressed satisfaction at the sophistication and number of tools available for use at the facility.
She added that the Women Affairs Ministry will work towards having the SMEDAN on its E-portal, designed to serve as a one-stop-shop and a hub that will not only provide viable marketing outlets but will also enhance commercial activities between the women and end users of their products and services with attendant boost to the earnings and economic status of the women.
Earlier in his presentation, the Director-General of SMEDAN, Mr. Charles Odii stated that the common desk for women and youth empowerment underscores the agency’s prioritization of consequential demographic and acknowledged the importance of investing in women, describing them as investment multipliers and key drivers of prosperity. He added that the desk will focus on capital and training facilitation as well as market access.
At the desk launch, SMEDAN’s Director-General also outlined plans to collaborate with agencies like Corporate Affairs Commission, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) and other relevant agencies to create a business friendly environment and address challenges raised by women and youth-led Small and Medium Term Enterprises.
The SMEDAN’s boss also gave assurance of the agency’s readiness to revamp Industrial Development Centers across the country to discount access to key resources such as tools and energy, particularly for women.
Ohaeri Osondu Joseph, Fnipr, Fcai
Special Assistant, Media
