The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has trained over 40 retirees from Ondo State on special skills development.
The programme was organized as a part of SMEDAN’s efforts towards skill development and financial independence for the retirees.
Over 40 retirees were drawn from both State and Federal government civil service.
They were trained under the specialized skills development for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and were empowered with tools like Vulcanizer Machines, sewing machines and Shoe making equipment.
Those tools were given according to the area of speciality the retirees were trained under.
Speaking during the programme, the Director General of SMEDAN, Mr Olawale Fasanya, said the programme was put together to alleviate poverty among retirees and to promote self-reliance, saying the retirees would also contribute to the economic development through job creation.
Fasanya who disclosed that the programme took place in the six geo-political zones in the country, explained that the programme was specially developed to address boredom and lack of financial security, which were some of the major challenges confronting retirees.
He expressed confidence that the training would support the retirees in attaining a stress-free retirement period and also ensure the development of new skills towards self-reliance and financial independence.
He said “I implore you to ensure you utilise the knowledge acquired from the vocational and entrepreneurship training to start or improve your existing business and take it to the next level.
“Most importantly, the equipment the agency is providing for you to run your business is expected to be used for the business and not to be diverted to other uses or sold outrightly.
“The agency’s business development service team will always be with you and support you to effectively translate the newly acquired knowledge, information and equipment to visible and concrete improvements in your business,”
The Director-General assured stakeholders that the agency would continue to support all entrepreneurs towards ensuring job creation, wealth creation, poverty alleviation and food security.