The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), operating under the Federal Government’s guidance, has concluded a training and empowerment program for selected women-owned farmers’ cooperative societies in Oyo State. The initiative aims to boost productivity and export capabilities in the manufacturing and processing sectors within the state.
Dr. Olawale Fasanya, the Director-General of SMEDAN, emphasized that the training’s main objective was to elevate the production of high-quality food. Represented by SMEDAN’s Deputy Director of Special Duties, Mr. Tunde Oloyede, he highlighted that the program encompassed entrepreneurship and enterprise training, with a specific emphasis on Hazard and Critical Control Point (HACCP) practices, alongside the provision of empowerment equipment.
Fasanya further explained that this comprehensive training package was meticulously designed to enhance the beneficiaries’ capacities. The outcome is not only quality products meeting the standards of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) but also aligning with other international market requisites.
He underlined that this capacity-building initiative would also offer financial empowerment to women cooperatives and their businesses. It aims to establish a solid foundation for their operations, ensuring impact in terms of pride, profit, and business diversification.
