Barrister Uju Kenedy-Ohaneye, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, has launched a new unit located at the headquarters of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, which is dedicated to supporting women and youth entrepreneurship.
A statement on Saturday by Moshood Lawal, Head of Corporate Affairs at SMEDAN, said the establishment of the Unit was aimed at addressing challenges faced by women in the Micro,Small and Medium Enterprise(MSME) sector.
The statement pointed out women make up a significant portion of MSME operators in Nigeria, adding that they encounter various obstacles militating against their growth.
Lawal said the newly established Unit will not only identify and address these challenges but also offer mentorship for women and youth entrepreneurs.
He further explained that a percentage of SMEDAN’s intervention programmes would be earmarked for these crucial groups.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Kenedy-Ohaneye pledged full support from her Ministry and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to eliminate these barriers.
She commended the Director General of SMEDAN for the laudable initiative, while expressing her satisfaction with the opportunities provided for women and youth in Nigeria.
The minister, therefore, reaffirmed her commitment to collaborate with SMEDAN in promoting women-owned businesses through policy development, advocacy and the promotion of the “Buy Nigeria” initiative.
As part of her visit, she toured SMEDAN’s Common Facility Centres for garments and furniture, guided by the Director General of SMEDAN, Mr. Charles Odii.
