NEF To Offer Technical Assistance To Gambia

The Nigeria Entrepreneurs Forum, NEF, has promised to offer technical assistance to Gambia on Entrepreneurship, Agriculture, and Economic Development, among others.

The President of NEF, Dr Sidney Inegbedion, made the promise at the NEF Secretariat in Abuja when he received a Delegation from Gambia led by the Mayor of Brikama Area Council, West Coast Region The Gambia, Hon. Yankuba Darboe.

Dr. Inegbedion who described Nigeria – Gambia relations as cordial over the years said both countries have potential that should be effectively harnessed for national economic development.

He used the opportunity of the visit to roll out some of the activities and achievements of NEF since its establishment in 2010, which includes Entrepreneurship Training and Capacity Building, Trade and Investment Promotion,
Funding Assistance for Business
Project Management for Donor Agencies,
Technical Assistance and Membership Services.

According to him, some of NEF’s achievements are in the areas of how to start a business series for women and youths,
Federal-State strategy for DFI,
Trade and investment mission to the USA, Germany, Canada, China and Cote d ivoire.

“We received investors from China on Agriculture
Co-sponsored China Africa Economic and Trade Expo
Country host for Diaspora Return Mission of Germany
Country host for back to the Future Programme of Italy
Country platform for UNIDO HP-Life Entrepreneurship E- Learning
Partnership with Economic Growth Department of Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning
Development of the Bio-Economy
Development of NEDS” the President of NEF stated.

In his words,”Nigeria and Gambia
maintains bilateral relations at diplomatic levels within the ambits of ECOWAS, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCTA) and the British Common Wealth of Nations.”

“This visit ushers in strong economic ties with the Gambia on Trade and Investment matters and on People to People relationship especially among entrepreneurs of both countries
Considering the strength of Nigeria as the Giant of Africa, this visit no doubt brings the Gambia in focus among others and Nigerian Entrepreneurs, among all other African countries striving to access Nigeria’s foreign investment capital, technical knowhow, digital technology, quest for tourism destination, as well as preferred market for potential export of Nigerian Agro-allied processed goods, fashion, fashion accessories and garment among others.”

Earlier, the Mayor of Brikama Area Council, West Coast Region The Gambia, Hon. Yankuba Darboe said the delegation was in NEF Secretariat to seek ways for support and collaboration in the areas of entrepreneurship development, agriculture, culture, and economic development, among others.

Hon. Yakubu Wankuba, who commended the bilateral relations between Nigeria and Gambia over the years, solicited technical assistance of NEF towards realizing Gambia’s economic development.

Other stakeholders who also spoke during the visit called for more economic ties between Nigeria and Gambia.

Mathew Ayoola, Edited By Grace Namiji