In a remarkable display of commitment to inclusivity, the Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Mr Charles Odii, has earned accolades from Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities.
Hon. Abba Isa, in a commendation letter issued Sunday, expressed delight at SMEDAN’s recent empowerment program where the agency allocated the mandated 5% statutory quota for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) as stipulated by national disability law. The initiative, part of the National Business Skills Development Initiative (NBSDI), showcased SMEDAN’s dedication to fostering inclusivity and empowerment.
President Tinubu’s aide emphasized that SMEDAN’s decision aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration, reflecting a commitment to social inclusion and empowerment. The agency not only trained PWDs but also provided them with certificates and kits to kickstart and nurture their businesses.
The gratitude of President Tinubu was extended to SMEDAN for its tangible progress in promoting inclusivity, with Hon. Abba Isa highlighting the agency’s role in setting a precedent for other organizations. The initiative not only fulfills legal obligations but also contributes to creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
SMEDAN, under Mr Charles Odii’s leadership, awarded startup kits to 55 individuals, including 5 PWDs, in the federal Capital Territory. These kits, tailored to various skills such as fashion designing, catering, and leather works, signify the agency’s commitment to empowering diverse entrepreneurs.
The training, a part of the National Business Skills Development Initiative, is set to extend to 13 states, empowering a total of 715 participants. This initiative underscores the Federal Government’s dedication to an inclusive governance approach, leaving no one behind, particularly focusing on youth, women, and PWDs.
Mr Adero Umar, one of the PWD awardees, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, highlighting the potential impact on his leatherworks business. Another awardee, Mr Ashiru Abdullahi, an aspiring fashion designer, praised SMEDAN for providing him with an industrial sewing machine, facilitating the expansion of his business.
As SMEDAN continues its nationwide empowerment efforts, the agency’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment stands as a beacon, earning recognition not only locally but also on the presidential level. This initiative aligns seamlessly with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing the importance of creating opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their abilities.
