The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mariam Katagum, yesterday tasked women of Nasarawa State to take advantage of the abundant yams and other crops been produced in the state by packaging the commodities properly for export in the international market.
The minister gave Nasarawa women the task through the ministry’s Deputy Director on Gender, Mrs. Achilam Chima Fidel, on the occasion of the Nasarawa Entrepreneur Initiative, NEI’s maiden edition of Nasarawa Young Women Entrepreneurs Conference held in Lafia.
This was even as Katagum advised the women against limiting other packages of their products to only Nasarawa State, but to make them available for international consumption as well.
She said, “I wish to encourage you to take your product to African Continental Free Trade Fair, which is coming up in few months’ time so that your product can be sold to other parts of Africa. Don’t hesitate to unlock every opportunity that comes your way by maximizing your opportunity.
“My ministry runs an open door policy, especially among women, hence we encourage and support Nigerian women and women groups within our mandate to be empowered. We also provide linkages for women with financial institutions. I therefore implore you to work with the necessary parastatals in the ministry to actualise your targets.”
In a welcome address, founder of the NEI, Mr. Kefas Elisha Tigga, said the initiative, code name ‘Naspreneur,’ was a technical hub designed to provide a platform for entrepreneurs to meet, socialize and learn from one another.
“The NEI is also meant for startups to meet experts in their field for mentorship, and for investors to meet investments in their incubation stage and opportunities.”
