SMDF kicks off programme to empower 1000 women in Mining, Jewellery Making

In furtherance of the Government’s efforts at diversifying the country’s economy and empowering women, a training programme for women on Gemstones and Jewellery Making has kicked off in Lagos.

The programme supported by the Solid Minerals Development Fund, SMDF, has the goal of empowering over one thousand young women with the relevant skills to become active players in the different value chains of Mining and Solid Minerals development.

The Solid Minerals Development Fund, a sovereign Fund established by the Federal Government to drive and catalyze private sector-led investments in the nation’s mining sector is kicking off the programme with over one hundred participants, but with the target of increasing the number to over one thousand.

Speaking at the opening of the two day event, at the Civic Center, Victoria Island, Lagos, the Executive Secretary of the Fund, Hajia Fatima Shinkafi described the training on Gemstone and Jewelry as a gateway to economic independence, skill acquisition, and social empowerment for the women in communities across the country.

The Executive Secretary, highlighted that by training women in this field, the nation is not only tapping into a lucrative market but also breaking barriers and ensuring that women have equal access to the opportunities the sector presents.

Hajia Shinkafi noted that Gemstones are among the most valuable natural resources found in the country and that they have largely remained untapped or under-utilized
She promised that the commitment of the Fund does not stop with this training, as it will continue to provide linkages and opportunities for growth.

According to her, ” Today, we are planting the seeds of creativity, entrepreneurship, and resilience, which will grow to yield lasting benefits for trainees, their families, and our society at large.

“This training will offer them the opportunity to not only create beautiful jewelry 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 are 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 jewellery 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. SMDF will support them with loans and grants to set up their businesses so that they can turn what they have learned into a successful enterprise.

“We are at a time when diversification of our economy is crucial. The mining and value addition of gemstones present a unique opportunity for economic growth. It holds immense potential in terms of economic value, job creation, and export opportunities”.

The President, of Women in Mining, Engr. Dr. 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.
Adeyemi 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.

“When I was in the House of Representatives, I saw the need, with some of my colleagues, that we need to diversify from oil and gas. So to do that diversification, we went to Mr President, convinced him on why we have to look at the mining sector all over again”.

Contributing, Past Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines and Cambodia, Ambassador Folakemi Akinleye called for more government support to help drive expertise among women in mining and jewelry, while also stressing the need for value addition to the nation’s solid Minerals.

One of the facilitators, Dr. Tersoo Aga an expert in mineral deposits noted that the country is among the most endowed nations in the world with regards to mineral deposits, over 500 deposits of economically viable gemstones, stretching about 400 kilometers in length and 150 kilometers in width.

Dr. Aga pointed out that the country has the largest deposit of topaz as well as the most expensive sapphire which is sold for one million naira per gram.

He also noted that a certain type of tourmaline which is more expensive than diamond is at present found in only the country and Brazil.

A beneficiary of the training programme Mrs Precious Shola from Lagos State said it has been a great learning opportunity, hoping that the knowledge acquired would help her to take her business to greater heights.

“I heard about the training through people and a former colleague.

“The first thing I learned about is to be able to identify gemstones with their different names, colors, and classifications. I also learned about metalworking for adornment. I am interested in learning about gold

“I honestly say thank you very much to SMDF for this opportunity. I am very happy and I appreciate them for this effort”

At the commencement of the training, participants were impacted with the skills for identifying Gemstones as well as the pricing and refining of the precious stones.