ARTS, CRAFT, FASHION TALENT HUNT: SMEDAN AND SME CENTRE ENUGU TO SELECT 10 BEST FOR TRAINING

The creative industry has been identified as a major source of income, which when harnessed will reduce poverty and unemployment in Africa.

The Director-General, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agencies of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Dr. Dikko Umaru Radda, stated this in a message to the opening of a talent hunt in fashion, arts and craft being organised by the Agency in partnership with Enugu Small and Medium Enterprises) SME Centre.

The four-day event with the theme “Breaking Convention, Sparking Innovations” is aimed at discovering hidden talents among youths from age 18 to 35.

A Director in the Agency, Mr. Friday Opara, who presented the address of the Director-General, advised the participants to evolve a road map towards making Nigeria a more viable and vibrant player in the fashion, arts and craft industry.

According to Dr. Opara, SMEDAN is ready to support any youth who is innovative.

The Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture was also represented by the Director-General of SMEDAN and urged the participants to take advantage of the programme to improve on what they already had.

In an interview, the National Vice President, African Women Entrepreneurship Programme (AWEP), Mrs. Tessy Igwe, noted that the organization was focusing attention on providing training and mentorship for women with creative ideas.

A representative of the Enugu State Governor and Special Adviser on Small and Medium Enterprises and Investment Promotion, Mr. Anayo Agu, pointed out that creating enabling environment for youths was the only way to bring out the best in them as well as promote the economic growth of the country.

Two of the participants said they looked forward to expanding their businesses through the knowledge and support they would get from the programme.

Of the over one hundred participants the best ten will be selected for further capacity development.

ESTHER OGBU