SMEDAN Trains Ondo Youths on NBSDI, Promises Empowerment Equipment
In a bid to tackle youth unemployment and promote economic self-reliance, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has trained about 60 youths under the National Business Skills Development Initiative (NBSDI).
Speaking at the training, SMEDAN State Manager, Prince Olatomi Ikuomola, explained that the programme targets youths across the state and includes entrepreneurship education, vocational training, and the provision of relevant equipment.
“This programme is a national flagship initiative designed to empower Nigerian youths with the right skills and tools to become self-employed,” Ikuomola said.
“We are focusing on three key vocational areas this year, the fashion design, laundry and dry cleaning, and photography based on identified local needs.”
According to him, the training beneficiaries were selected through a national online application portal, ensuring transparency and inclusiveness in the selection process.
“The turnout was impressive. It’s important to note that selection was not done manually or based on recommendations. Applicants applied through an online portal, and those selected were sent to us for training in Akure,” he added.
Following the initial entrepreneurship module, participants will proceed to hands-on vocational training, which will culminate in the distribution of state-of-the-art equipment relevant to their areas of training.
“We’re not giving just any equipment — these are modern tools that can help beneficiaries start or scale their businesses immediately.
We believe this can transform their lives and also create employment opportunities for others,” Ikuomola said.
Reflecting on the agency’s evolving focus, he noted that SMEDAN conducts annual needs assessments to tailor the training to emerging opportunities within communities.
“Last year, we focused on catering, fashion, and photography. This year, laundry services have emerged as a promising sector. Our goal is to meet young people where their entrepreneurial interests and market demands align.”
Ikuomola advised beneficiaries to resist the temptation to sell the equipment they will receive, urging them instead to utilise it in creating sustainable livelihoods and becoming job creators.
“My message to young people is to embrace opportunities like this wholeheartedly. The tools you receive are not for resale ,they are seeds for building something meaningful, for yourself and for the economy.”
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to scaling up the initiative in the coming years.
“This is just the beginning. With continued support and success stories, we plan to expand the scope and reach more youths across the state and the country.”
The SMEDAN programme is expected to empower at least 60 youths in Ondo State this year, with long-term plans to establish it as a model for youth empowerment nationwide.
