Ogun to Empower Entrepreneurs with Digital Skills

The Ogun State Government has teamed up with GFA Technologies to train and empower at least one million entrepreneurs through the Gateway Skills Programme. According to a statement, the initiative was announced by Adebola Sofela, the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, during the first-quarter MSMEs Stakeholders’ Engagement Meeting held online. Sofela, joined by Special Adviser to the Governor on Mineral Resources Development, Prof. Kayode Oyedele, and other senior officials, said the programme would equip micro, small and medium enterprises, as well as students, youths, and women, with essential digital skills, tools, and market access.

“This programme aligns with the Ogun State government’s economic development objectives and aims to train and empower over 1,000,000 participants, enhancing business growth, market expansion, and economic resilience while improving access to finance,” he said.

He also revealed that Governor Dapo Abiodun approved the Small-scale Industries Land Acquisition Scheme at the SME Industrial Park in Ijebu-Isiwo to provide entrepreneurs with a conducive business environment. Additionally, the state government is implementing the first phase of the Ogun Light Up project—a 30MW power initiative at Onijanganjangan, Abeokuta—to support businesses, while Ogun is collaborating with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria to establish an MSME Council.

Emmanuel Oke, co-founder of GFA Technologies, described the Gateway Skills Programme as a versatile training platform that equips participants with the skills needed to formalize their businesses and secure business-friendly loans, urging entrepreneurs to register.

Senior Business Development Expert for Lagos/Ogun at GOPA, Lawal Ismael, elaborated on the “Inspire, Create, Start and Scale” initiative—implemented in partnership with GIZ-Sedin—which helps entrepreneurs uncover opportunities, expand their ventures, and receive ongoing support.

Meanwhile, Ogun State Skills Fund coordinator Segun Fatoki disclosed plans to establish a State Job Centre aimed at connecting job seekers with organizations and providing a hub for equipment rentals.

Reacting to the initiative, Dr. Femi Egbesola, President of the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria, called on the government to boost support for locally produced goods and help small businesses capitalize on the African Continental Free Trade Area.