The Federal Government, in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) through its Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), has trained women and youths on innovation clinics in Taraba State. The initiative was also supported by the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).
Mr. Irmiya Musa, State Programme Coordinator for VCDP, said the training, held on Wednesday in Jalingo, is vital for enhancing agricultural businesses in the state. He urged participants to acquire the skills necessary to scale their ventures from small to medium and large enterprises, pledging the state’s commitment to the programme’s success.
Mr. Bala Yusuf, State Director of SMEDAN, explained that an innovation clinic serves as a business support service, offering business diagnostics and fostering entrepreneurship development. He emphasized SMEDAN’s dedication to supporting small-scale businesses and mentoring nano-business entrepreneurs, advising participants to thoroughly develop their business ideas to ensure success.
Mr. Ibrahim Aminu, Manager of the Technology Incubation Centre in Jalingo, encouraged participants to leverage the centre’s resources to promote and sustain their businesses. Similarly, Mr. Wiza Baido, Head of Business and Marketing Department at VCDP, advised participants to cultivate a mindset geared toward expanding their businesses from small-scale to large-scale operations, stressing the importance of streamlined business plans and proper record-keeping to monitor profits and losses.
The training gathered producers, processors, and marketers, highlighting their critical roles within the agricultural production value chain.