A resounding call for the empowerment of women entrepreneurs resonated as Mr. Mike Okwoche, President of the United States Government Exchange Alumni Association (USGEAA), addressed a captivated audience. Speaking at the maiden edition of the United States Government Exchange Alumni Association (USGEAA) Women Entrepreneurship Training (UWET), held at the American Corner in Lagos, Okwoche passionately emphasized the pivotal role women entrepreneurs play in nurturing the growth of our society and the nation at large.
At the heart of this transformative event lies a collective dedication to provide women with a dynamic platform for creative expression and access to diverse investment opportunities, grant possibilities, and invaluable exposure. “Our intention in organizing this initiative is to offer women a springboard towards diverse investments, connections with investors, grant opportunities, and funding avenues, igniting their potential to thrive. Empowering women is not just a pursuit; it’s a passion driving us, as they stand as the nurturers of our society,” Okwoche elucidated.
Acknowledging the instrumental support from the US mission in Nigeria, especially the US Consulate in Lagos, Okwoche expressed gratitude for their unwavering commitment to facilitating this vital initiative.
Dr. Funke Medun, the Managing Consultant and Director of Leapworld Ltd, a facilitator at the event, delved into pivotal topics like accounting systems, bookkeeping, taxation, and financial management. Her insights illuminated the path to business enhancement and sustainability, providing participants with essential tools to fortify their Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Dr. Medun affirmed her organization’s steadfast commitment to the participants’ journey, stating, “We forge numerous partnerships and offer consulting services to those seeking funding access. Our collaborations span the digital landscape, including partnerships with the Bank of Industry. We aim to provide comprehensive support and guidance.”
Participants were introduced to the Transforming Nigerian Youth Programme, an initiative that offers a spectrum of interventions, ranging from business registration and trademarks to digital marketing support and consulting services – all designed to bolster the growth of MSMEs.
Bunmi Kole-Dawodu, Lagos State Manager of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), reiterated the agency’s commitment to intervening at critical junctures to support the women.
Mr. Olusola Owonikoko, President of the Carrington Youth Fellowship Initiative (CYFI), underscored the entrepreneurs’ role as the bedrock of any economy. His advice centered on the significance of effective communication in interactions with staff and customers, empowering participants with the tools to foster fruitful connections.
Acknowledging the pivotal impact of the training, Adejumoke Gbadehan, a participant and owner of a catering company in Lagos, praised the insights gained during the three-day training. Her promise to integrate the acquired knowledge into her business operations echoed the sentiment of many fellow participants.
Obasanjo Fajemirokun, Project Manager of USGEAA, illuminated the organization’s mission behind this initiative. He emphasized their commitment to the upliftment of women entrepreneurs, with Lagos State serving as the nucleus of their operations. The focus on empowering 50 women, as the marginalization of women entrepreneurs often prevails, was brought to the forefront. The backing of a grant from the US Consulate, the primary sponsor of this endeavor, solidified the project’s foundation.
The culmination of this immersive training will see 50 women, now well-versed in financial management, business structuring, growth strategies, scaling business pitches, branding, and communications, vie for the grand prize of N1,000,000, a testament to their newly nurtured capacities and fortified dreams.
