In the face of dwindling revenue from oil and gas and the weakening of the nairsa against major foreign currencies, the quest for more patronage of made-in-Nigeria goods got a boost on Tuesday as it was disclosed that two frontline agencies of government were planning to collaborate on the training of artisans and the certification of their products.

Mr. Kunle Obayan, Director-General, National Directorate of Employment, said that items produced by beneficiaries of the scheme would soon be certified by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Obayan gave the assurance after a tour of Bina Foundation, Emene, Enugu State, a non-profit organisation that caters for people with special needs.

Speaking with journalists after he was conducted round the facilities at Bina Foundation by Sir Chris Atuegwu, chairman of the organistion’s board of directors, the NDE boss said the agency has been in talks with NAFDAC about the certification of products manufactured by beneficiaries of the scheme, especially products like soaps, disinfectants and cosmetics.

He also disclosed that the NDE intends to include NAFDAC in the training of NDE candidates to ensure that the graduates of its skills programmes do not face challenges in getting certification for their products.

Commenting on the activities of Bina Foundation, Obayan, who was in the company of the five NDE state directors in the South-East, said: “It is something of joy to partner with Bina.

“Some months ago, we donated materials for resettlement of beneficiaries of this scheme. We thought we could do more. This is one of the places we could send people with disabilities.

“I can tell you, we are not disappointed. We can send in beneficiaries who apply to us or who we find to come here. We will be responsible for their training on entrepreneurial skills and resettlement.”

ON his part Atuegwu said they intend to touch the lives of the vulnerable ones in the society, especially the disabled and people with special needs.

The facilities at the facility included the Braille centre, medical centre, radio and television repair section, phone repair section, resources and recreational centre for the blind, Braille book production centre, computer laboratory, audio room, catering and fast food centre, kitchen, tailoring, shoe and bead making sections and cosmetics, detergent and disinfectant sections.