ETIM EFFIONG
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has promised to give maximum support to agricultural entrepreneurs so as to boost the economy of the nation and reduce unemployment.
The Director-General of SMEDAN, Mr Wale Fasanya, said this during the official opening of National Agri-prenure Training Scheme-Post Training Visit on Friday in Uyo.
Fasanya, who was represented by Ms Lucy Ekpenyong, State Manager, SMEDAN said that his visit to Akwa Ibom became necessary to ascertain the training outcome and impact assessment on the Agribusiness Development and Empowerment Programme (ADEP).
He said the feedback that will be gathered from the visit would help the agency to plan and further the support the scheme to enhance development.
The DG assured that the agency will continue to support the Agri-prenures across the country with juicy scheme which include; One Local Government, One Product, Women Self-employment among others.
“The post training is a follow up on the Agribusiness Development and Empowerment Programme held in October 2021.
“It is to visit trained entrepreneurs in their places of operation in order to get firsthand information on how they conduct their businesses and true status of their businesses.
“It is to identify challenges faced by entrepreneurs in the course of their businesses and offer advisory service,” he said.
The director general commended President Mohammedu Buhari for his passionate commitment in combating unemployment through the development of agriculture and its value chain.
One of the benefitting cooperatives, Amazing Women Multipurpose Cooperative, represented by Mrs Mary Bassey said the grants and the training from the Federal Government have help the association to embark on melon and palm oil production.
Bassey applauded SMEDAN and federal government and appealed for a links to market their products outside the state.
Another benefitting cooperative, Nation Feeders cooperative represented by Mr Bassey Etim also thanked the federal government for its support in their fish drying business.
Etim, however, complained of incessant attack from pirates in the sea while on their legitimate businesses of fishing.
