Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria, (SMEDAN), has reiterated its commitment to the development of Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.
The SMEDAN Manager in Oyo State, Mrs Iyabo Ojogbede, said this on Thursday in Ibadan at the end of a six-week training of 97 youths in integrated waste recycling and manufacturing.
The training is an initiative of Planet 3R Ltd., in Adegbayi, Ibadan.
According to Ojogbede, SMEDAN has the mandate to develop and implement policies favourable to the growth of MSMEs.
She commended Planet 3R for the training support for the youths while restating SMEDAN’s willingness to partner with the recycling firm in future programmes that align with the agency’s goals and objectives.
Ojogbede charged the trainees to maximise their knowledge by establishing their own enterprises for the growth of small-scale businesses.
In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustainable waste management and environment conservation.
Mogbonjubola who was represented by the Director, Environmental Health Services, Mrs Bukola Areo, noted that the training of the youths goes beyond simply advocating for recycling.
“Our government is continuously working to implement policies that promote recycling, waste-to-wealth initiatives, and environmental education,’’ he said.
He underscored the importance of partnership in achieving laudable goals, assuring Planet 3R that the state government would partner with it to expand the impact of the initiative.
The Managing Director, Planet 3R Ltd., Ms Adejoke Lasisi, said the firm remains focused on creating a sustainable future where economic development and environmental stewardship thrive.
“Our goal at Planet 3R is to create a future where sustainability and social impact go hand in hand.
“Through partnerships with government and international partners, we are not only turning waste into resources but also addressing critical needs in economic empowerment,” she said.
She also called on various sectors of the economy to rise to the challenge of setting up platforms to drive the recovery and recycling of waste items in the country.
The event witnessed an exhibition of locally made recycled products from water nylons, waste textile materials, and used tyres, among others.
Among the locally made recycled products are bags of various sizes, footwear, car seat covers, mats and seater pillows.
