Governor Simon Bako Lalong


From Daniel Dauda,Jos



In a bid to eradicate poverty and ensure wealth creation, Plateau State Government has joined partnership with a German based organization's GIZ-SEDIN Programme.

It is observed that the GIZ-SEDIN Programme has an objective of improving the employment and income situation of Micro, small and medium enterprises(MSMEs).

Inaugurating the steering committee on pro-poor Growth and promotion of employment in Nigeria programme-SEDIN, recently at Old Government House Rayfield, Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong, acknowledged that the state are into partnership with GIZ since 2009 when they began with the employment-oriented private sector development project(EOPSD).

Lalong who was represented by the deputy professor Sonni Tyoden said the gender and good governance project(GGGP) which was focused on strengthening women and child rights in Northern Nigeria moved to Plateau from Maiduguri in 2009 and lasted until 2011.

"The SEDIN programme, which is the direct successor of the employment-oriented private sector development project, EOPSD, started with its  first phase in 2011 to 2014 while the second phase continued from 2014 to 2017 and now it's third phase which is expected to last till 2022."

He also said the partnership in line with Government's commitment towards achieving its vision via the three-policy pillar thrust to ensure the full development of the state's economy" it has become necessary to create a platform whereby  public and private sector representatives can come together to provide strategic support for the implementation of the SEDIN-GIZ activities.


Steering committee on pro-poor Growth and promotion of employment in Nigeria


Meanwhile, the Head of component, policy work stream- Pro-poor Growth and promotion of Employment in Nigeria programme-SEDIN-GIZ, Akinrope Omoware highlight expectations for the steering committee which includes; support a process of defining the scope, goals, outcomes, outputs and activities of the programme in the states in the areas of private sector development as well as Government policies and measures to support PSD and sustainable economic development.

Support programme implementation and achievement of programme results, provide advice on ongoing policy reforms and its implementations on the programme goals and objectives, review state work plans and implementation and provide recommendations to the management of the programme on possible review for better results,provide advice on risks and possible mitigations as well as support programme monitoring and reporting.

He also affirmed that the steering committee shall meet bi-annually, twice a year or every six months or as may be determined by the committee.

The Pro-poor Growth and promotion of employment in Nigeria programme-SEDIN-GIZ, steering committee inaugurated had Professor Danladi Atu, secretary to the Government of Plateau State as chairman.