By Francis Sadhere
In its dedication to the empowerment of rural and urban poor women and youths in Nigeria for poverty reduction, employment generation towards sustainable socio-economic development, Morgan Smart Development Foundation (MSDF) a non- government organization has recently hosted a 3 day income generating workshop\exhibition with the theme “creating wealth through income generation opportunities”.
According to a press statement from MSDF and made available to our correspondent the purpose of the workshop was to expose the women to various income generating opportunities in the Niger delta, how to tap into these opportunities; manage existing businesses, write business plans and proposals, access credit facilities etc.
A total of 34 women participated in the workshop which turned out to be every woman’s dream of achieving financial independence and business fulfillment.
In his keynote address, Mr. Sylvester Okoh, Field Project Manager of PIND Foundation, thanked MSDF for holding the workshop for the women in the area, saying that it will help to improve the lives of the participants.
The opening ceremony was followed by an exhibition show which featured display of local spices, bead works, liquid soap, Potato chips and fish.
MSDF stated that the workshop featured lectures and presentations from experienced facilitators; the training methodology for the workshop was based on the McClellan’s Achievement Motivation Theory which is accepted as a valid guidance on entrepreneurship and business creation.
Some of the modules included; the McClellan’s Achievement Motivation Theory and its application, Information and support, Business Opportunity Identification, Goal setting, Market research, Introduction to Business planning, Business start-up process, Presentation skills, Presentation to Bank Panel.
Others are; Managing business Growth/ Group formation and Qualities of an entrepreneur, Formats for self-assessment/ business skills development/Financial management, Exhibition as a marketing tool/ Sustainability of an enterprise/ Project management/ Access to credit.
At the end of the workshop, the participants were awarded certificate of attendance.
In her closing remark, President\CEO of Morgan Smart Development Foundation, Dr Omawumi Urhobo advised the women to always work hard to be financially independent and to invest in the education of their children without compromise.
The participants all expressed their joy and excitement at being part of such “life changing” workshop they claimed to be refreshed and re- invigorated to boost their existing businesses or start new businesses and manage it effectively.
In view of the success of this Workshop/Exhibition and by popular demand, another in the series of the Workshops has been scheduled to hold from the 28th of October to 30th 0ctober, 2014 in Warri.
