FG set to train 200 women entrepreneurs in Shea butter processing, others

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has trained 200 women entrepreneurs on the shea butter value chain in the country.

The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Mariam Yalwaji Katagum, who disclosed this while declaring open the Bauchi State 1st National Trade and Exhibition Fair said the targeted beneficiaries will be trained on best practices in shea-nut picking and shea-butter processing. 


The Minister, said the women organisations will receive the complete set of shea-butter processing equipment to continue with the project.

The minister further said the theme of the Trade Fair was in line with the present administration’s policy that was aimed at putting the Nigerian economy on a path of sustained, inclusive and diversified growth as well as job creation, reaffirmed the commitment of President Buhari-led administration   to provide both financial and technical assistance to Small and Medium Enterprises to ensure their products meet international standards.

The Minister called on stakeholders in the sector to support government’s efforts at strengthening the capacity of Small and Medium Enterprises for job opportunities and ensure rural development.

Also, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, in his address said that his administration has approved the constitution of a committee for the privatization of all the moribund industries in Bauchi State.

The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Senator Baba Tela, believed that the recommendations of the committee would go a long way in improving and revitalization of industries.

He said the Trade fair and Exhibition would open window of cooperation between government, private sector and small scale entrepreneurs to interface, exchange ideas and promote synergy for national growth and development.

According to him, “The fair and exhibition are essentially an event meant to exhibit goods and services to potential buyers in addition to networking to private organizations to grow customer base for the development of business relationship. 

“You will agree with me that the seemingly high level of carpentry works going on in both the pavilion and open spaces for participants to have the necessary exhibition stand to display their commodities is another means of livelihood to our local entrepreneurs and teeming unemployed youth,” he said. 

In his welcome address, the President, Bauchi State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA), Alhaji Habu Jajere explained that the Trade Fair was organized as part of efforts to revive regional trade fair in the zone as well as provide conducive environment for the federal government to educate stakeholders on the new National Economic Agenda and Strategies for diversification with particular emphasis on Small and Medium Enterprises.

Habu Jajere expressed confidence that the opportunity provided by the Trade Fair would transcend beyond the boundaries of buying, selling and exhibition to the pedestal of attracting the much needed foreign and domestic investment to the state, region and the nation in general. 

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