The Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) is creating multiple opportunities for Nigerian women in the utilization of gemstone products across the industry value chain through structured training programmes which was held in Lagos over the weekend.
A statement from the SMDF, signed by the SMDF Head of Corporate Communications, Idowu Jokpeyibo said the initiative aims to raise 1,000 women entrepreneurs, adding that it will enable beneficiaries to explore huge economic opportunities in gemstone mining and utilization.
The Executive Secretary of SMDF, Hajia Fatima Shinkafi, in her remarks, underscored the commitment of President Bola Tinubu administration to reducing Nigeria’s reliance on crude oil through economic diversification by harnessing the country’s huge solid mineral resources.
She commended the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake for his steadfast support for the Solid Minerals Development Fund, adding that his commitment to advancing the Agency’s mandate did much to realize set goals.
The Executive Secretary further highlighted the dedication of the minister to women empowerment of women in the mining sector, noting that Alake consistently emphasizes the importance of equipping women with the essential skills to actively engage in the mining value chain.
While saying that the training on gemstone and jewellery is a gateway to economic independence, skill acquisition, and social empowerment for the women in Nigerian communities, the Executive Secretary noted that the exercise aims to enable creativity, entrepreneurship and resilience in the beneficiaries.
According to Shinkafi, the beneficiaries will be empowered and supported to grow, adding that they will become sources of economic reliance for their families and the society at large.
She explained that gemstones are among the most valuable natural resources found in the country, adding that Nigeria is blessed with an abundance of precious stones, many of which remain untapped or under-utilized.
The Executive Secretary stated: “This training will offer them the opportunity to not only create beautiful jewelry, but to also build thriving businesses.”
“The Solid Minerals Development Fund is fully committed to ensuring that training and acquisition of knowledge in the sector is sustainable and this explains why we are launching the training 1000 young women from different parts of the country with 100 participants at this gemstone and jewelry making training.”
“We are not just focused on training; we are committed to the continued growth of the trainees.”
“The target is to train 1000 women, those who do basics can move on and be part of an advanced training.” she said.
The Executive Secretary assured that the Solid Minerals Development Fund will support trainees with loans and grants to set up their own businesses so that they can turn what they have learnt into a successful enterprise.
She said: “We are at a time when diversification of our economy is crucial. The mining and value addition of gemstones presents a unique opportunity for economic growth. It holds immense potential in terms of economic value, job creation, and export opportunities.”
“By training women in this field, we are not only tapping into a lucrative market but also breaking barriers and ensuring that women have equal access to the opportunities presented by the mining sector.”
Sharing the Agency’s vision around the initiative, she reiterated that the Fund is not only committed to the training but intends to provide support, linkages, and opportunities for growth.
“Whether it is through facilitating access to markets, providing mentorship, or supporting the formation of cooperatives and small businesses, we want to ensure that the skills acquired by the trainees will lead to long-term economic empowerment.”
“Our commitment to empowering women is unwavering, and we believe that when women are given the tools to succeed, entire communities benefit.” she said.
The President of Nigeria Women in Mining, Engr. Janet Adeyemi, who was a Member of the House of Representatives explained that through the training program, which is in its third edition, some women have been empowered and supported to carry out mining activities and jewelry-making at the global level, being sources of inspiration to others.
Engr Adeyemi further said the association has introduced various initiatives including pageants to make the sector more attractive for women.
Adeyemi, a Fellow of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS), said: “We started this three years ago, and everything is growing. We need to retrain, we need to embrace what is happening, what is happening in our world now is mining.”
While appreciating the commitment and support of the SMDF, she encouraged the Agency to continue to partner with Women in Mining Nigeria, adding that the training focuses on raising women entrepreneurs in the field of mining and transformation of Gemstone into other economic uses.
Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Philippines and Cambodia, Folakemi Akinleye, said the training would go a long way in improving the lives of rural women. She said it will open more opportunities in the mining sector which comes with huge investment and economic growth.
Adeleye who shared her experience in Philippines, said women are fully engaged in mining and making enormous contributions to economic development of Philippines.
She however, observed that lack of skills and inadequate funding have militate against the potential of women to maximize their impact in the sector. She however expressed optimism that the training will help to advance women’s career opportunities in the sector.
Mrs. Tope Omage, former Director at the Central Bank of Nigeria, described the SMDF – WIMIN collaboration as a milestone, saying that the involvement of the Fund will be a landmark intervention that will improve the income of women in Nigeria.
Omage, said the exercise will go a long way to improve the skills of women, create economic opportunities and scale-up employment opportunities for women in the country.
In his conversation with the media, one of the programme facilitators, and a Geologist, Dr. Tersoo Aga, said Nigeria is most blessed when it comes to human and natural resources, and particularly for the solid mineral sector.
Aga, said Nigeria is blessed with so much comprising of all minerals, industrial minerals, with over 500 different types of gemstones.
According to him, Nigeria’s solid mineral endowments are naturally occurring, predominantly within what is known as the pegmatite belt of Nigeria that stretches from the southwestern part of the country to the northeastern part of the country.
Three participants, Sola Adesanya, from Lagos State, Eden Durosola Precious (Lagos) and Hajia Umar Abubarkar (Zamfara) who shared their experiences and expectations expressed optimism that the training will help them to pursue new career opportunities in mining.
They applauded the SMDF and Women in Mining for providing them the opportunity to explore the mineral resources in a sustainable manner under proper supervision and regulations.
