By Kemi Akintokun
The Lagos State Government, through its Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) on Tuesday trained 250 women to enhance product quality and market acceptance.
Mrs Bolaji Dada, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, said the training was to enhance the packaging of agricultural products.
Dada said the programme was initiated to equip women in agriculture with essential skills that were crucial to improve their businesses and livelihoods.
She said the training was designed to boost participants’ knowledge of registration processes, packaging and labelling rules, hygiene and safety standards, and compliance procedures.
According to her, the training done in collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), will foster a supportive learning environment and help participants to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.
“This training is a deliberate effort to strengthen women-led enterprises and expand their access to broader and more competitive markets.
“If women are adequately equipped with the right information, they are better positioned to grow sustainable businesses, support their families, and contribute meaningfully to the economy of the state.
“From small processing centres to roadside trading, from food packaging to agricultural production, women continue to demonstrate resilience and determination.
“Many women still struggle, not because of lack of skill or commitment, but because of limited access to the right technical and regulatory information needed to scale their businesses and meet required standards,” she said.
The commissioner reiterated the state government’s commitment to building pathways of empowerment for vulnerable women, through skills development, knowledge transfer, and strategic partnerships.
She commended NAFDAC for collaborating with the ministry, noting that the engagement underscored the importance of bridging the gap between regulation and grassroots enterprise development.
Dada advised participants to network and put the training into practice to raise industry standards.
Dr Nelly Anselm-Onuwa, a Deputy Director at NAFDAC, said the training placed emphasis on quality control, compliance requirements, and consumer protection for women entrepreneurs.
She highlighted food safety as essential, urging entrepreneurs to ensure products remain fresh from production to sale.
The deputy director reiterated the agency’s commitment to safeguard the health of Nigerians, through quality and standard regulations.
Responding on behalf of other participants, Mrs Folasade Ayodele, thanked the ministry and NAFDAC for the knowledge-packed training.
Ayodele said the practical presentations and professional guidance had provided them with valuable knowledge.
She said the knowledge received would help improve product quality, encourage compliance with regulatory standards, and position their businesses for greater opportunities and growth. (NAN)
Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Oluwafunke Ishola
