A non-governmental organisation, “Beyond Border Foundation,” in partnership with the Abuja Enterprise Agency, has restated its commitment towards encouraging Small and Medium Enterprises, SME’s in the Country.
The Chairman of the Foundation, Pastor Isaac Mark, made the call in Abuja, at the 3rd edition of the Success Motivation Business Conference targeted at equipping thousands of Nigerians with skills for self reliance.
The Chairman, Beyond Border Foundation, Pastor Isaac Mark, said the conference was aimed at leveraging on the various policies and reforms of the Federal Government to empower young people, business owners, market women especially the less priveledged through various entrepreneural training and skills acquisition to build themselves financially.
Pastor Mark, explained that the foundation through its collaboration with some some government agencies such as the Federal Inland Revenue Services FIRS, Corporate Affairs Commission CAC and SMEDAN trained thousands of residents drawn from the 6 area councils of the FCT, and Suleja, in various vocations.
He explained that the qualified candidates benefited from the gesture ranging from over $50,000 grants to successful candidates, starter packs and free issuance of 50 Corporate Affairs Commission’s business registered certificates for legitimate business owners.
In a remark, the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Small, Medium Enterprise SME, Mr Tola Johnson commended the Beyond Border Foundation and other technical partners for the initiative, adding that it would go a long way in complementing the effort of the Federal Government in addressing the high level of unemployment in the country.
On her part, the Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs FCTA, Dr Adedayo Benjamin stressed the need to equip more women with skills.
According to her, “when you invest in a woman, you invest in her community.”
Some of the beneficiaries, however, commended the Foundation and other technical partners for the kind gesture and promise to make judicious use of the items.
The respondents, however, called on other private organizations and well-meaning Nigerians to join in the fight against the high rate of unemployment to tackle youth restivenes and insecurity in the country.
Garry Ochigbo, Edited By Grace Namiji
