The Director-General of SMEDAN, Dr Olawale Fasanya, gave the laptops to the beneficiaries at the end of a three-day ICT/digital skills training programme for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises.
He said that the aim was to empower the youth with digital knowledge and tools needed to grow their businesses online.
While emphasising the importance of ICT in doing business, Fasanya said that the role of ICT in business is to provide tools and systems that enable efficient communication, data management, analysis and decision-making processes.
He added that it also enhances productivity, customer engagement and gives the entrepreneur a competitive advantage
“You can be in Nigeria and do business in the US. You do not necessarily have to do your business until you have a shop or a workplace in your bedroom.
“With these tools, you can do a lot of things. So, this is the idea and I am also glad,’’ he said.
Fasanya urged the beneficiaries to utilise the skills and tools to improve their businesses, help their families and grow the Nigerian economy.
While promising that SMEDAN would continue to support them in growing their businesses, Fasanya said that their activities would also be monitored.
“I have seen the real people that need this kind of tools to upgrade themselves and to be able to do some form of businesses and we will not leave you alone. You are now within our database.
“But we believe that some other programs that will be having, we will be calling some of you also so that we will be able to still improve on some of them
“So, I want you not to take this for granted,’’ Fasanya said.
He urged them to sign up for free digital courses on the SMEDAN website.
Earlier, the SMEDAN Manager, FCT, Mrs Mary Kolawole, described the digital space as a vast place that could enhance businesses and urged the participants to explore it to better their lives.
She said that the training is replicated in all 36 states in the country.
