SMEDAN Trains, Empowers 40 Retirees On Special Skills

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) says about 40 retirees from Ondo State were trained and empowered under specialised skills development for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).
Director-General/CEO, SMEDAN, Mr Olawale Fasanya,  at the closing ceremony of the specialised skills development for MSME in Akure, said the programme took place in the six geo-political zones in the country.
The Tide’s source reports that the retirees, who were indigenes of Ondo State and drawn from Federal and State civil service, were empowered with vulcaniser machines, sewing machines and shoe-making tools, according to their areas of specialty.
Fasanya explained that the programme was specially developed to address boredom and lack of financial security, which were some of the major challenges confronting retirees.
He said it would support the retirees in attaining a stress-free retirement period and also ensure the development of new skills towards self-reliance and financial independence.
“I implore you to ensure you utilise the knowledge acquired from the vocational and entrepreneurship training to start or improve your existing business and take it to the next level.
“Most importantly, the equipment the agency is providing for you to run your business is expected to be used for the business and not to be diverted to other uses or sold out rightly.
“The agency’s business development service team will always be with you and support you to effectively translate the newly acquired knowledge, information and equipment to visible and concrete improvements in your business,” he said.
Fasanya also assured stakeholders that the agency would continue to support all entrepreneurs toward ensuring job creation, wealth creation, poverty alleviation and food security.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperative Services, Mrs Lola Fagbemi, lauded SMEDAN for the various training and opportunities offered to the state in the past.
Fagbemi, who was represented by Mrs Funmilayo Akinola, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, urged the retirees to use the training to benefit themselves, the state and Nigeria in general.
“The state is looking for a more robust collaboration in the area of training our MSME/artisans, likewise, we strongly relied on the agency’s expertise to develop our local technology,” she said.
Responding on behalf of the trainees, Mrs Comfort Bosede, from Ilaje Local Government Area, appreciated SMEDAN for the training and promised judicious use of the tools given as empowerment for the retirees.
“I was trained as a vulcaniser and I am delighted to be the first female vulcaniser. We were taught both academically and practically.
“We were taught to market our business, then to keep records to know our income and gain. Also, we are to plan and register our business,” she said.