SMEDAN CALLS FOR TRADITIONAL LEADERS’ INVOLVEMENT

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria has called for stronger collaboration between traditional institutions and government agencies to support food security, wealth creation and national development.

SMEDAN Director-General, Charles Odii, made the call during the 2026 Ulefunta Annual Lecture in Akure, Ondo State.

Odii said government intervention programmes would be more effective when traditional rulers and community leaders were involved in their planning and implementation.

He noted that traditional institutions understood the economic potential, challenges and needs of their communities and could help agencies reach people at the grassroots.

The SMEDAN boss said the agency had launched its Community Enterprise Development Programme to deepen the involvement of traditional rulers in enterprise development.

He added that traditional institutions could help mobilise farmers, artisans, women and youths, identify economic opportunities and encourage community ownership of development programmes.

The Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, also said traditional institutions could serve as a link between government intervention agencies and rural communities.