MRDC Introduces ILO-SIYB Programme to Empower Entrepreneurs

The Masterpiece Resource Development Centre has launched the International Labour Organization-SIYB programme, which aims to empower 120 aspiring entrepreneurs.

The unveiling ceremony of the ILO-SIYB took place at the MRDC office in Lagos.

In his welcome speech, Mr Abiola Popoola, Chairman of the Board of MRDC, expressed the centre’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs to accelerate national development more effectively.

“Entrepreneurs, with their inherent energy and innovative ideas, are eager to pave the way forward, but their success depends on the effort they invest in the journey,” remarked Popoola. “The essence of this training is to equip entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and knowledge to enhance their effectiveness.”

Similarly, Mrs. Modupe Oyekunle, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of MRDC, outlined the center’s annual mandate to train entrepreneurs at various stages, from startups to scale-ups, and to network.

“Upon completing training for our 120 aspiring entrepreneurs, our network of entrepreneurs will receive funding from our mentors’ school and Providus Bank,” Oyekunle stated. “We will utilize the ILO-SIYB training modular program, which standardizes entrepreneurship training and certifies trainers.”

She added that 12 ILO-SIYB master trainers had been trained to facilitate the training of the aspiring entrepreneurs.

According to Oyekunle, MRDC has established an ecosystem of entrepreneurs, comprising coaches, trainers, mentors, and sponsors, to provide support and access to funding.

Noruwa Edokopolo, a Master Trainer and MRDC board member, highlighted the training program’s origins, attributing it to the International Labour Organization’s efforts, which have assisted millions of entrepreneurs over the years.

Ernest Elue, Head of Strategy and Business Development at Providus Bank, expressed the bank’s satisfaction with partnering with MRDC to empower entrepreneurs and train trainers through the ILO-SIYB programme initiative.