SMEDAN, EFCC deepen collaboration on youth empowerment, cybersecurity

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are set to deepen institutional collaboration, with a focus on youth empowerment, cybersecurity, capacity development and responsible entrepreneurship.

The Chief Executive Officer of SMEDAN, Mr Charles Odii in a statement signed by the Head, Corporate Affairs Unit, Moshood Lawal on Thursday in Abuja, emphasised the importance of partnerships among government institutions in delivering the mandate of Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda to Nigerians.

Odii during a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr Ola Olukoyede, said that with country’s rapidly growing youth population, empowering young people requires a holistic approach that combines skills.

He said others are access to opportunities, mentorship, digital knowledge, financial literacy and responsible enterprise practices.

While responding, the EFCC Chairman noted that the commission had followed with keen interest SMEDAN’s youth-focused interventions, noting the significant efforts towards equipping young Nigerians with opportunities and skills that can positively transform their lives.

He acknowledged the Agency’s growing focus on youth development through capacity building and empowerment schemes.

He said such interventions as important contributions to equipping young Nigerians with the knowledge and opportunities required to become productive participants in the economy.

He said it would ensure they do not tow the path of negative vices that has unsavory impact on the country’s economy and image.

During the meeting, the two Chief Executives agreed on strengthening collaboration through knowledge sharing and joint capacity-building initiatives.

A key area of agreement was the proposed infusion of relevant components of the ICSS curriculum into the EFCC’s cybersecurity training programmes.

The two institutions equally agreed to explore the participation of EFCC in relevant SMEDAN training programmes, particularly those that can strengthen awareness of cybersecurity, financial responsibility and ethical business practices among entrepreneurs and young people.

The collaboration was expected to create a stronger bridge between enterprise development and financial crime prevention, ensuring that young entrepreneurs were equipped not only to start and grow businesses, but also to understand the importance of operating within the law and protecting their businesses in an increasingly digital economy.