The Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA) has restated its commitment to building the capacity of rural communities as a strategy of achieving its mandate to empower women and youths in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Abuja Enterprise Agency is the FCT’s vehicle for the development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and poverty reduction.
Malam Shehu Abdulkadir, the Acting Managing-Director of the agency, gave the assurance in Abuja at the opening ceremony of the Rural Skills Acquisition and Sensitization Initiative (RuSASI) training for 200 women and youths.
“The training is designed to build the capacity of rural communities to produce basic sanitary items such as hand sanitizers, liquid soaps and antiseptics.
“The training is part of the agency’s support to the people and to serve as a means of curbing Coronavirus, while helping the beneficiaries to become economically self-reliant.
“The programme will nurture Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in rural communities to achieve their full potential,” he noted.
Abdulkadir said that the initiative was structured to facilitate the acquisition of skills in sectors such as confectionary, disinfectants, organic fertilizers and others:
“We will also build their entrepreneurial skills in areas such as book keeping, saving culture, customer relationship and marketing and sales amongst others modules to effectively start and manage your business.
“No fewer than 200 women and youths will be trained and further supported with starter packs to start their businesses.
“It will interest you to note that this edition of RuSASI is expanded to include AMAC, Kwali, Kuje and Abaji Area Councils.
“This programme is scheduled to hold consecutively for four weeks in the aforementioned locations.”
Abdulkadir, however, urged all participants to take the training serious, noting that evaluation would be conducted to determine participants who would be supported with starter packs and grants.
“There will also be a business pitch where participants will demonstrate their business acumen and the viability of their ideas. We are aiming to build world class business leaders,” he added.
Ms Aisha Babangida, the Chairperson, Better Life Programme for the African Rural Woman, an NGO, said the organization was committed to the overall development of the rural woman.
Babangida, who was represented by Mr Shem Ayegba, the Chief Operations Officer, said the group was proud of the rural skills acquisition and sensitization initiative and pledged their continuous support for the programme’s success.
Also, the Chairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Alhaji Adamu Candido, urged the FCT administration to continue to strengthen the Abuja Enterprise Agency to deliver its mandate.
Amaka E. Nliam
