Arewa Ears Community Development Forum in an effort to lend support to other Northerns who are in dire need of upliftment of their lives de...
Arewa Ears Community Development Forum in an effort to lend support to other Northerns who are in dire need of upliftment of their lives decided to express interest in establishing a partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), a government establishment to assist Nigerians.
We are greatly impressed by the work SMEDAN have been doing under its leadership since you were appointed Director General in October 2023.
Arewa Ears is recognized as one of the most outstanding organizations in Nigeria, particularly in the Northern region, for its unwavering commitment to providing hope and a sense of belonging to the common citizens across the 19 Northern states. Some of what we have achieved is offering entrepreneurship skills training and supporting individuals to kickstart small businesses, enabling them to meet their basic needs and enhance their livelihood.
We firmly believe that addressing the root causes of issues such as hunger, poverty, and unemployment is crucial in promoting peace and stability in any society. Arewa Ears understands that hunger can lead to anger, and unchecked anger can escalate to violence. We recognise that beneath the surface of anger lie deep-seated emotions such as hurt, fear, frustration, sadness, and vulnerability. By addressing these underlying emotions and providing sustainable solutions, we aim to foster a peaceful and prosperous environment in the Northern region of Nigeria.
It is disheartening to witness the transformation of the once peaceful and welcoming Northern region into an area plagued by ignorance, banditry, poverty, child trafficking, unemployment, and various forms of criminal activities.
However, we are optimistic that through collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships, we can effect positive change and uplift the lives of the people in the region.
We equally believe that by collaborating forces with SMEDAN, we can leverage our respective strengths and resources to create greater impact and reach more needy individuals. Together, we can work towards building a more resilient and thriving community in the Northern states of Nigeria.
We would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss potential areas of collaboration and explore how our organizations can complement each other’s efforts towards achieving our shared goals. Your support and partnership would be invaluable in advancing our collective mission of promoting entrepreneurship, reducing poverty, and fostering sustainable development in the Northern region.
We identify SMEDAN as a crucial entity in addressing pressing issues, particularly concerning poverty and unemployment, within the 19 Northern states.
During the meeting the Chief Executive Officer of Arewa Ears Community Development Forum, Ambassador Mohammed Muazu in the company by his fellow members Ambassador Sadiq Ibrahim Adamu, Ambassador Nura Garba Ahmad, Ambassador Sudais Suleiman Sokoto, Ambassador Lawan Munkailla, Ambassador Hadiza Mohammed Borno and Ambassador Ibrahim Hussain Tinja. Recently as part of efforts to secure succour for our esteemed youths had a meeting with the Director General of SMEDAN, Dr. Charles Odii, along with Ms Bridget Ohikhokai -Deputy Director F&A and Alh Moshood Lawal-Head Corporate Affairs (SMEDAN)
During the meeting, Ambassador Mohammed Muazu briefed the Director General, Dr Odii on what the Arewa Ears Community Development forum is all about and its mission and vision to promote and develop the good people of Northern Nigeria irrespective of religion, tribe and ethnicity. Ambassador Muazu highlighted the urgency of intervention in certain states that are mostly affected by unemployment. He informed plans to launch sensitization programs targeting youth in these states and invited SMEDAN to actively participate in these initiatives.
He disclosed that Arewa Ears Community Development Forum is an organization dedicated to addressing the pressing issues that are affecting the people of Northern Nigeria, particularly high levels of poverty and unemployment. Ambassador Muazu expressed his concerns about these issues and emphasized the need for collaboration with SMEDAN to support their cause. He also highlighted the fact that poverty and unemployment are major root causes of insurgency in the region, which has destabilized the entire Northern region.
Responding, Dr. Charles Odii promised to collaborate with the Arewa Ears Community Development Forum and support their efforts to address these issues. He pledged to travel to all 19 Northern states of Nigeria together with Arewa Ears to raise awareness and find solutions to the challenges facing the region. He also committed to supporting 3000 active members of Arewa Ears with sensitization Program and professional entrepreneurship skills training through the application of INITIAL CREATE START SKILLS (ICSS) and Empowerment programs.
The meeting between the Arewa Ears community development forum and SMEDAN marks a significant step towards addressing the socio-economic challenges facing Northern Nigeria. By working together, these organizations can make a real difference in the lives of the people in the region and help to create a more prosperous and stable future for all.
Arewa Ears Community Development Forum sees Dr. Charles Odii as a beacon of hope for the youth, given his remarkable vision, capacity, and track record as a problem solver. His commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and startups in Africa to drive economic growth and create jobs is truly inspiring. With over a decade of experience in senior management roles in technology and business development, Dr. Odii has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a talent for building successful partnerships.
In his first 100 days in office, Dr Charles Odii has already made a tangible impact through various initiatives. His efforts have led to the creation of 15,000 jobs and the facilitation of over 7 billion Naira in funding for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Such achievements underscore his dedication to driving positive change and fostering growth within the SME sector.
As stakeholders, we need to acknowledge and support the transformative work being carried out under Dr. Odii’s leadership at SMEDAN. The experience garnered as a seasoned administrator has injected into SMEDAN which has brought progress to the organisation and Nigerians. The initiatives spearheaded by him not only have immediate benefits but also hold the promise of a brighter future for entrepreneurs and small businesses in Nigeria.
We look forward to witnessing the continued success and progress under Dr. Odii’s stewardship at SMEDAN.
No comments