By Nnasom David

The Micro Sector Development Initiative for Africa (MISEDI), an empowerment organisation focused on women entrepreneurs, has appointed the Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, as its Patron.

The group made the announcement during a courtesy visit to the RMRDC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, where MISEDI Country Director, Mrs. Bosede Eitokpah, led a delegation to honour the RMRDC boss with a commemorative plaque for his commitment to inclusive development and women’s empowerment.

During the visit, MISEDI reaffirmed its support for the proposed 30 per cent Value Addition Bill currently before the National Assembly, describing local processing of Nigeria’s raw materials as key to industrial development, job creation and economic growth.

The organisation said the bill, which has already passed the House of Representatives, would encourage the processing of raw materials locally before export, thereby creating more opportunities for small and medium-scale businesses, especially those owned by women.

“We believe the future of Nigeria’s economy lies in our ability to process and add value to our raw materials locally,” the women entrepreneurs said, adding that their network remains committed to advocating for the passage and implementation of the legislation.

MISEDI also highlighted its capacity-building programmes aimed at equipping women entrepreneurs with skills in product development, business management, digital marketing and financial literacy.

The group expressed its desire to collaborate with relevant institutions, including the Bank of Industry, to support women-owned businesses with access to financing needed for expansion and competitiveness in local and international markets.

Responding, Prof. Ike-Muonso commended MISEDI’s initiatives, describing its activities as aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope agenda of promoting inclusive economic growth.

He said the organisation’s programmes reflected the vision of ensuring that “no one is left behind, especially our women,” while encouraging MISEDI to extend mentorship programmes to female public servants approaching retirement to help them transition into entrepreneurship.

The RMRDC Director-General thanked the group for the recognition and partnership, expressing optimism that the collaboration would promote women’s economic participation, strengthen value addition and support Nigeria’s industrialisation drive.

MISEDI, in its statement, said it was “proud to welcome Prof. Ike-Muonso as its esteemed Patron to champion the continuous empowerment of women in Nigeria.”