Four emerging business educators have successfully completed the International Labour Organisation’s Start and Improve Your Business (ILO-SIYB) Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop, positioning themselves to make a meaningful impact on Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Held virtually over a rigorous 10-day period, the program was facilitated by ILO-SIYB Master Trainer Kemisola Rosamond T’Oluwanimi, who equipped participants with internationally recognized tools to coach both budding and seasoned entrepreneurs across the country.
Empowering Trainers, Empowering Nigeria
The ILO-SIYB program, established in 1996 and tailored for the Nigerian and South African business environments, is a globally acclaimed initiative that promotes sustainable small business development. This edition focused on three critical modules:
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Generate Your Business Idea (GYBI)
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Start Your Business (SYB)
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Improve Your Business (IYB)
Having completed the training, the four newly certified trainers—Fred Anene Nduka, Mrs. Olayide omoJesu Adisa, Amos Oloruntobi Alade, and Usiere Uko—are now equipped to deliver these modules to a wide range of entrepreneurs, helping them refine business concepts, build viable ventures, and enhance operations for long-term success.
A Call to Action from Industry Leaders
During the closing ceremony, several respected voices from Nigeria’s entrepreneurial space offered congratulations and guidance. Mrs. Adefunke Kuyoro, President of the NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW), underscored the importance of structured business training.
“When businesses start well and are run professionally, they gain a clear advantage. I urge the trainers to align with the ILO’s global vision and support entrepreneurs to build the right foundations,” Kuyoro stated.
She encouraged the new trainers not to stop at certification, but to commit to actively mentoring and guiding entrepreneurs toward success.
Global Structure, Local Impact
Trainer-in-chief Kemisola T’Oluwanimi explained that the SIYB program is structured to ensure consistent quality across borders, with all content developed by the ILO in clear, user-friendly formats.
“This program is not just theoretical. It’s practical, material-based, and designed to work across different sectors and skill levels,” she emphasized.
“Trainers must now practise their delivery before receiving full ILO certification, ensuring they can deliver real-world impact.”
The program, she added, is currently running in over 130 countries, playing a transformative role in promoting entrepreneurship, job creation, and national economic development.
Encouragement from the Entrepreneurial Community
Additional speakers and NNEW leaders, including Mrs. Folakemi Fatade and Mrs. Bukola Femi-Ajala, highlighted the significance of the training in reaching different sectors of society—including youth, women, and retirees.
“This program marks the beginning of an exciting journey. I encourage the graduates to harness the teamwork and insights gained during training to broaden their reach,” said Fatade.
“It also opens doors for retirees and aspiring retirees to transition into entrepreneurship and mentorship roles,” added Femi-Ajala.
A New Chapter Begins
The graduation of these four trainers signifies more than personal achievement—it is a strategic step in advancing Nigeria’s small business sector. With their expertise, they are now well-placed to nurture future entrepreneurs, guide sustainable business practices, and contribute meaningfully to economic development nationwide.
As they embark on this journey, their mission echoes the ILO’s enduring commitment: to strengthen local economies through structured, impactful entrepreneurship training
