COVID-19: NEPC trains over 60 women entrepreneurs in Edo 

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Benin Export Assistance Office, says it has trained over 60 women entrepreneurs in Edo on crisis management.

Mr Macpherson Fred-Ileogben, Head, Trade Promotion Adviser, NEPC, Benin Office, made this known while speaking with newsmen in Benin on Wednesday.

Fred-Ileogben said the training which was held in February, was to enable women entrepreneurs to adjust and cope with the shocks that arose from the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said about 30 men who worked in business enterprises owned by women also participated in the training.

“The training was focused on women – owned businesses and women enterprises that employ men because the Export Council has a specific mandate to improve the export capacity of women.

“The training was done in line with the ‘She-trade’ tool kit on crisis management.

“The She-trade is an initiative of the International Trade Centre to help women entrepreneurs boost their businesses and connect them to the global market,” Fred-Ileogben said.

He said participants were taught how they could look at their supply chain and diversity their enterprises into products in high demand during the pandemic.

“We want women entrepreneurs to remain in business and continue to pay their employees during the pandemic.

“Many businesses were doing well before the pandemic and we want to ensure business continuity during the pandemic,’’ Fred-Ileogben said.