Abuja, Nigeria – The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has organized a landmark financial empowerment program for selected cooperatives in 21 states across the country. This initiative aims to boost the production output of these cooperatives, which are predominantly owned by women and people living with disabilities.
The program, which includes comprehensive training and financial support, is designed to address the unique challenges faced by these groups in accessing finance and building sustainable businesses. By empowering these cooperatives, SMEDAN is committed to fostering economic growth, promoting inclusivity, and reducing poverty.
Benefits
– Financial Empowerment: Selected cooperatives will receive financial support to enhance their production capacity and business sustainability.
– Training and Capacity Building: Participants will benefit from comprehensive training on business management, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship skills.
– Inclusivity: The program prioritizes women-owned and disability-led cooperatives, promoting diversity and equal opportunities.
According to Mr Charles Odii, SMEDAN Director General “SMEDAN remains committed to supporting the growth and development of small and medium enterprises in Nigeria, with a focus on inclusivity and sustainability.”. Which is why there is a preponderance of Cooperatives led by women and the ones exclusively owned by people living with disabilities.
This programme is holding in the states of Enugu, Bayelsa, Zamfara, Kwara, Gombe, Osun, Ondo, Plateau, Kaduna, Bauchi, Kebbi, Katsina, Akwa Ibom, Sokoto, Taraba, Nassarawa, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Abia,Yobe and Cross River.
The programme is holding from 15th-17th April 2025 across the locations above. At the end of the engagement, each cooperative will be linked to indigenous Business Development Service Providers in the State to hand hold them through the process of embracing contemporary managerial practices in their respective cooperatives.
For more information, please contact:
Prince Moshood Lawal
Head, Corporate Affairs, SMEDAN
