Charles Odii, the Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), has launched a bold initiative to build the capacity of young Nigerians and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). In partnership with Wema Bank, the 2025 Capacity Building Program targets entrepreneurs eager to grow their businesses by providing access to finance, digital tools, and practical training.
The Charles Odii SMEDAN empowerment initiative equips participants with the tools they need to thrive in a competitive business environment. This program will help thousands of young Nigerians secure funding, strengthen their business skills, and scale their ventures. It also introduces participants to digital platforms that simplify business operations and enhance visibility.
Odii believes investing in young people and MSMEs directly supports Nigeria’s future. He explained that the initiative breaks barriers and helps emerging entrepreneurs succeed in today’s fast-paced economy. The training covers essential topics like financial literacy, business registration, branding, and digital marketing.
The empowerment initiative rolls out in phases, and interested applicants can now register. The program is free, and selected participants will attend expert-led workshops, receive mentorship, and gain access to soft loans. Odii emphasized that this program aligns with SMEDAN’s larger goal to make Nigerian entrepreneurs globally competitive.
He stressed that youth unemployment and business failure often stem from a lack of practical knowledge and resources. SMEDAN is filling that gap by creating strong partnerships and offering innovative solutions. Odii praised Wema Bank for joining the mission and providing its digital banking platform to promote financial inclusion.
The partnership introduces beneficiaries to ALAT, Wema Bank’s digital banking platform, which helps them manage funds and access credit more effectively. This digital connection ensures small businesses keep pace with the evolving financial landscape. Entrepreneurs will learn how to track expenses, set saving goals, and apply for credit with ease.
Odii added that SMEDAN will keep designing programs that transform young people into job creators rather than job seekers. He said the agency will support businesses from idea inception through full growth and sustainability. With strong collaborations, Odii believes Nigeria’s MSME sector can contribute significantly to national development.
Several young entrepreneurs welcomed the program, calling it timely. They noted that access to digital tools and business finance remains a major challenge. Many look forward to mentorship sessions and exposure to modern business practices.
By launching this program, Charles Odii reinforces his reputation as a forward-thinking leader who listens to small business needs. He turns policy into action and ensures no willing entrepreneur gets left behind. The future of Nigeria’s economy depends on its youth, and Odii is making sure they are prepared.
The SMEDAN-Wema partnership marks a smart step toward building a resilient economy. It promises to empower entrepreneurs and stimulate sustainable growth across the country.
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