The Ogun State Government has launched the Gateway Skills Programme in partnership with GFA Technologies, aiming to train and empower at least one million entrepreneurs. The initiative, announced by Commissioner for Industry, Trade, and Investment Adebola Sofela during a virtual MSME stakeholders’ meeting, will provide essential digital skills, business tools, and market access for small businesses, students, youths, and women.
According to Sofela, the programme aligns with the state’s economic development goals by fostering business growth, market expansion, and economic resilience while improving financial access. Governor Dapo Abiodun has also approved the Small-scale Industries Land Acquisition Scheme at the SME Industrial Park in Ijebu-Isiwo to create a more conducive environment for entrepreneurs.
Additionally, the state government is rolling out the Ogun Light Up project, a 30MW power initiative in Abeokuta, to support businesses. It is also collaborating with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria to establish an MSME Council.
GFA Technologies co-founder Emmanuel Oke described the Gateway Skills Programme as a flexible training platform designed to equip participants with skills to formalise their businesses and access business-friendly loans. He urged interested entrepreneurs to register.
Senior Business Development Expert Lawal Ismael, representing GOPA, explained that the initiative includes the Inspire, Create, Start, and Scale concept, implemented with GIZ-Sedin, which helps entrepreneurs identify opportunities, scale their ventures, and receive aftercare support.
Ogun State Skills Fund coordinator Segun Fatoki revealed plans to establish a State Job Centre to connect job seekers with organisations and provide shared workspaces with rentable equipment.
Reacting to the initiative, Dr. Femi Egbesola, President of the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria, called on the government to boost patronage of locally manufactured products and help businesses maximise opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
