As part of activities marking its two years in operation, the Kogi Enterprise Development Agency (KEDA), has launched the Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potatoe training and empowerment program targeting women clusters In the State.
Poised to train and empower men, women and youth in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kogi State, KEDA has continued to roll out capacity-building programs to enhance the capabilities of entrepreneurs in the SME sector of Kogi State.
This time, KEDA has carefully selected not less than 100 participants in the orange-Fleshed Sweet Potatoe value chain ,highlighting the benefits and nutritional values.
Declaring the OFSP training/empowerment open, the Executive Governor of Kogi State,Alh. Yahaya Bello who represented by the Secretary to the State Government,Mrs Folashade Arike Ayoade PhD, lauds the MD boss for her passion and the positive impact the agency has created in the last two years.
Mrs Ayoade urged participants to take the training seriously while reaffirming the government’s support for wealth creations at all time.
Welcoming participants at the launch of the Orange-fleshed sweet potato, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Hajia Rekiya Onaivo Sanni reeled out the activities of KEDA for the past two years, maintaining that the vision and mission statement of KEDA is bent on enhancing the capabilities of SMEs in Kogi State with more percentages allocated to the women group.
In his key note, the commissioner for Agriculture,Hon. victor Apeh says the position of the state government remains to roll out empowerment programs in the agricultural sector, says the Ministry of agriculture will be partnering with KEDA on ofsp to roll out more interventions and partnership with international potatoes for commercialization of ofsp for several value chain, he called on farmers to key into the vast value chain for efficient delivery. He tasked stakeholders to build demand of OFSP in terms of awareness and information dissemination.
In his welcome remarks, the commissioner Commerce and Industry, Hon. Olofu Yinusa Gabriel noted that KEDA has paid detailed attention to the growth of SMEs in Kogi. He says Kogi is plunging into orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato and is ready to support farmers to tap into the enormous opportunities.
Olofu who says it is time to think differently emphasised that plunging into the OFSP will drastically reduce the independence on imports of sweet potatoes.
Research has shown that the orange -Fleshed Sweet Potato is worth two hundred billion Naira when fully utilized and harnessed.
Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato is one of the richest sources of beta- carotene, a carotenoid known for its eye health benefits and ability to reduce cancer risks.
OFSP is said to build human immunity, helps regulate blood sugar, helps reduce stress and anxiety, packed with cancer fighting nutrients, linked to improved vision amongst others.
End
Yemi Balogun
PRO, KEDA
