Ogun to empower entrepreneurs with digital skills
The Ogun State Government has partnered with GFA Technologies to train and empower at least one million entrepreneurs through the Gateway Skills Programme.
According to a statement, the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Adebola Sofela, announced the initiative at the first-quarter MSMEs Stakeholders’ Engagement Meeting, which was held virtually.
Sofela, who was joined by Special Adviser to the Governor on Mineral Resources Development Prof. Kayode Oyedele and other top government officials, said the initiative would provide essential digital skills, tools, and market access for micro, small and medium enterprises, students, youths, and women.
“This programme aligns with the Ogun State government’s economic development objectives and aims to train and empower over 1,000,000 participants, enhancing business growth, market expansion, and economic resilience while improving access to finance,” he said.
He also revealed that Governor Dapo Abiodun had approved the Small-scale Industries Land Acquisition Scheme at the SME Industrial Park in Ijebu-Isiwo to provide entrepreneurs with an enabling business environment.
The state government is also implementing the first phase of the Ogun Light Up project, a 30MW power project at Onijanganjangan, Abeokuta, to support businesses.
Additionally, Ogun is collaborating with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria to establish an MSME Council.
The co-founder of GFA Technologies, Emmanuel Oke, described the Gateway Skills Programme as a flexible training platform designed to equip participants with the necessary skills to formalise their businesses and qualify for business-friendly loans.
Oke urged interested entrepreneurs to register for the programme.
Also speaking, Senior Business Development Expert, Lagos/Ogun, GOPA, Lawal Ismael, explained the Inspire, Create, Start and Scale concept, which is implemented in partnership with GIZ-Sedin.
He said the project helps entrepreneurs discover business opportunities, scale their enterprises, and receive aftercare support.
The Ogun State Skills Fund coordinator, Segun Fatoki, disclosed that plans were underway to establish a State Job Centre to connect job seekers with organisations and provide a work hub where equipment can be rented.
Reacting to the initiative, President of the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria, Dr. Femi Egbesola, urged the government to increase its patronage of locally manufactured products and support small businesses to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
