By: Joshua Adinoyi
The Kogi Enterprise Development Agency (KEDA) has trained and empowered over 100 women and youths on the Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) Value Additions.
A statement by KEDA Communication Strategist, Opeyemi Ologun, explained that the Training and Empowerment Program which took place at the Glass House – Government House Lokoja, was part of activities marking the 2 years Anniversary of the Organisation under the leadership of Hajiya Rekiya Onaivo Sanni as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer.
Flagging-Off the OFSP training, the State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, commended KEDA for revolutionizing the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the State within the last two years.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Folashade Arike Ayoade (PhD), Governor Bello expressed his administration’s willingness to provide support for Entrepreneurs in the State, urging them to take advantage of the training to improve their standard of living.
He also pointed out that the OFSP will guarantee wealth creation and economic prosperity for the State.
In her address, the MD/CEO of KEDA, Hajiya Rekiya Onaivo Sanni, said the journey so far has been remarkable, stressing that KEDA is committed to enhancing the capabilities of Kogi Entrepreneurs.
The KEDA Boss stated that more projects will be implemented to improve the SME sector including women Entrepreneurs.
She appreciated Governor Bello for giving the Agency the needed support to enhance the scope of SMEs and the mileage to thrive in the State.
Hajiya Rekiya promised to continue to interface, equip and give them opportunities to compete with others globally.
In their separate remarks, the State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hon. Gabriel Olofu and his Colleague of the Ministry of Agriculture, Hon. Victor Apeh, admonished participants to think differently, saying the opportunities of OFSP remain enormous.
Other dignitaries at the event include Commissioner of Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, Commissioner of Environment, Hon. Victor Omafaiye, Director of Women Affairs, Mrs. Babatunde Motunrayo, SA to the Kogi State Governor on Concept and Actualisation, among others.
A Media Parley with KEDA MD/CEO – Hajiya Rekiya Onaivo Sanni on the Journey So Far was part of activities to mark the 2 years Anniversary of KEDA in the State.
The Training featured Presentation of Certificates and Planting Materials to participants.
The OFSP Consultant and lead facilitator, Mr. Nduka Udeala lectured the participants on the Agronomic practices and intricacies of OFSP on the day 1 of the event while Dr. Femi Bolarin, Project Coordinator, World Bank Livestock Initiative presented a Paper on the “World Food Crisis: Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato to Rescue From World Food Shortage”
They encouraged participants to tap into the goldmine.
The training which continued on the second day, Thursday 8th Sept. 2022, had some select participants visit a farm settlement at Al-Azahar, Zango in Lokoja for an on-site demonstration of OFSP cultivation as the training was wrapped-up at the Glass House with demonstration of the value additions of OFSP.
Participants were trained using OFSP to make puff-puff, chips, and smoothies.
