SMDF kicks off Programme to Empower 1000 Women in Mining, Jewellery Making

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) is creating multiple opportunities for Nigerian women in the utilization of Gemstone products across value chain through structured training programmes which were held in Lagos over the weekend.

The projection is to raise 1,000 womeny entrepreneurs 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’s administration to reducing Nigeria’s reliance on crude oil through economic diversification by harnessing the country’s rich solid mineral resources.

She expressed her appreciation for the steadfast support of the Hon. Minister, Dr. Dele Alake, in advancing the Agency’s mandate. She also highlighted the Minister’s dedication to women’s empowerment in the mining sector, noting his consistent emphasis at various fora on the need to equip women with the essential skills to actively engage in the mining value chain

Shinkafi explained that the training on Gemstone and Jewellery is a gateway to economic independence, skill acquisition, and social empowerment for women in Nigerian communities.

She said the exercise aims at planting the seeds of creativity, entrepreneurship, and resilience, which will grow to yield lastingy benefits for trainees, their families, and the society at large.

Gemstones, she explains, are among the most valuable natural resources found in the country and that Nigeria is blessed with an abundance of precious stones, many of which remain untapped or under-utilized

“This training will offer them the opportunity to not only create beautiful jewellery but to also build thriving businesses

“Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) 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 of 1000 young women from different parts of the country with 100 participants at this gemstone and jewellry 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 SMDF, according to the ES, will support them with loans and grants to set up their own businesses so that they can turn what they have learnt into a successful enterprise.

She added, “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 this sector presents.”

Sharing the Agency’s vision around the initiative, she said 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 the trainees acquire 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 House of Representatives’ Member submitted that through the training program which is in its 3rd 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.
She said the association has introduced various initiatives, including pageants, to make the sector more attractive for women.

“We started this three years ago, and everything is growing and 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 them to continue to partner with Nigeria Women in Mining. Adeyemi added that the training focuses on raising women entrepreneurs in the field of mining and transformation of Gemstone into other economic uses.

Appreciated the commitment and support of the SMDF she encouraged them to continue to partner with Nigeria Women in Mining

Also speaking, Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Philippines and Cambodia, Ambassador Folakemi Akinleye, said the training would go a long way in improving lives of rural women and open more opportunities in the mining sector which comes with huge investment and economic growth.

Adeleye, sharing her experience, said that in Philippine, women are fully engaged in mining and making enormous contributions to the economic development of that country.

She, however, observed that lack of skills and inadequate funding have mitigated women impact in the sector but expressed confidence that the training will help to advance women’s career opportunities in the sector.

Mrs. Tope Omage, former Director with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), described SMDF, involvement, and intervention as a milestone and landmark intervention to improve income of women in Nigeria

Omage said the exercise will go a long way in improving the skills of women, creating economic opportunities, and improving the scale of employment 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, particularly for the solid mineral sector.

Aga said Nigeria is blessed with so much comprising of all minerals and industrial minerals, with over 500 different types of gemstones.

According to him, the good aspect of it is that these are naturally occurring and occur predominantly within what we call 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 spoke about 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 opportunities to explore the mineral resources in a sustainable manner under proper supervision and regulations.