The Oyo State government, in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), has reaffirmed its commitment to providing stronger support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across the state.
This renewed pledge was made in Ibadan during a send-off ceremony for participants of a 90-day intensive training programme on the Waste-to-Wealth initiative, organised by the recycling firm Planet 3R. The initiative focused on converting waste materials into valuable products, encouraging innovation, sustainability, and economic empowerment among young entrepreneurs in the circular economy.
Representatives of the Oyo State government and SMEDAN commended Planet 3R for its efforts in promoting environmental sustainability while creating business opportunities for youths and women. They highlighted the importance of recycling-based enterprises in addressing unemployment and supporting the state’s broader economic diversification agenda.
Speaking at the event, government officials reiterated that supporting entrepreneurship remains central to Oyo State’s development vision. They noted that small businesses play a vital role in job creation, innovation, and poverty reduction, especially within communities facing limited access to formal employment.
SMEDAN representatives also assured participants of continued collaboration through access to finance, business registration support, and capacity-building programmes to help them scale their ventures. They emphasized that such partnerships between the agency, state governments, and private organizations would help strengthen Nigeria’s SME ecosystem and ensure that emerging entrepreneurs thrive in competitive markets.
The Waste-to-Wealth programme, which trained participants in recycling, upcycling, and sustainable production techniques, aims to promote a greener economy by turning environmental challenges into profitable opportunities. Many participants are expected to launch their own eco-friendly businesses or expand existing ones, contributing to a cleaner environment and stronger local economy.
The event concluded with calls for increased public-private collaboration to build a sustainable entrepreneurship culture that not only drives profit but also protects the planet for future generations.
