Mastercard Foundation partners Enterprise Development Centre to Train over 200 women

By Rifkatu Kyemut

In a strategic effort to boost the economy of Plateau State with Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University in collaboration with Mastercard Foundation has trained over 200 young women between the ages of 18-35 on entrepreneurship in Jos the Plateau State capital.

The Plateau State Coordinator, Enterprise Development Centre Plateau State Mr. Biwet Nanfwang Peter highlighted the crucial role of women in economic development of the nation and noted that the aim of the training is to completely transform the mindset of youths in Nigeria to become more business minded and to equip them to be self employed or job creators.

Mr. Biwet added that the training is also intended to change the way learning or information is received in Nigeria through EDC. He pointed out that the programme will be carried out in the 17 local Government areas of the state where Corporate Affairs Certificates and certificate of attendance will be offered to the participants as well as providing support to grow their businesses.

The state programme mobilizer, Mr. Pius Gwanle revealed that Transforming Nigerian Youths Programme Jos Community Learning helps to create a network of entrepreneurial and management change marketers across the MSMEs sector in Nigeria. Pius expressed that the programme avails the participants the opportunity to register their businesses and access certificates with ease.

He appreciated Gov. Caleb Manassah Mutfwang for supporting the programme in the state and noted that with this training, women will be better informed and build up their skills to support their families.

The resource persons, Dr. Isreal Ketura of the Plateau State University, Bokkos and Mr. Nehemiah Tufwat both took turns to train the women on how to develop and grow their businesses, exploring new businesses, how to source for funds and manage their businesses to a desired goal.

The participants expressed the desire to see their businesses grow to the level of suppliers of goods and services both locally and internationally and also become employers of labour and role models for a new generation of Nigerian female youths.