Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and other enterpreneurs have received startup kits under the National Business Skills Development Initiative (NBSDI)
to grow their businesses.
The initiative under the supervision of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) is a move by the Federal Government to ensuring an inclusive government especially for the youth, women and PWDs in business empowerment.
The Director-General of SMEDAN, Charles Odii, said no fewer than 55 persons were trained and awarded certificates and start-up kits in the Federal Capital Territory.
Thirty five who trained in fashion designing received an industrial machines each, ten others who trained in catering, received mixers, gas cylinders and an industrial oven each.
And the participants, who trained in leather works, were also equipped with the necessary machines for their business.
The Minister of State for Youth, Ayodele Olawande, who presented the items and certificates to the participants, enjoined them to in turn, became employers of labour.
Mr Olawale also emphasised on the importance of every Nigerian youth to acquire at least two skills, rather than waiting or depending on white-collar jobs.
From the PWD community, a beneficiary, Adero Umar, said with the training and empowerment with materials in leather works, there will be no need for him to roam the streets begging as he would start his shoes making business.
A caterer who also benefited from scheme, Okeoghene Akaeva said she was happy for the opportunity to learn a skill and also excited about the kits she received.
The empowerment programme is expected to run concurrently across 13 states of the nation, with 55 beneficiaries per state, totalling 715 to be empowered by SMEDAN.
