The training was facilitated by the state government through the Ondo State Office of Innovation and Partnerships (ION) in collaboration with Facebook Incorporation.

The training scheduled to take place in Akure and Owo, has empowered young business owners on innovative strategies to win customers, build brand reputation, influence purchase decisions in favour of their products and recognize desired organizations that could support their businesses.

The social media platforms applicable for the business training is Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.

While declaring open the programme, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu who spoke through his Senior Special Assistant on Innovation and Partnerships, Joel Ogunsola said the training is one out of the many initiatives to drive Micro, Small and Medium Scale enterprises for development and growth in Ondo State.

According to Joel Ogunsola, these MSMEs will grow by virtue of these technical skills, it will create more opportunities for jobs, and more youths will be needed to fill the openings. As MSME's, are trained. They are empowered with the right capacity to do business as it is a very important section of the economy.

The Head of facebook Public Policy in West and Central Africa, Adaora Ikenze, says Facebook acknowledges small businesses as the backbone of any economy and digital platforms as a powerful tool to reach the desired business goals.

Ikenze explained that 'the Boost your Business' programme has kicked off in Africa since 2017 and since then, over 50,000 small businesses owners have been trained across the continent which has helped thousands of entrepreneurs develop their social media skills and unlock new audiences.

Adaora said the collaboration with Ondo State office of Innovation and partnerships (ION) is making it possible to train 300 small business owners across Ondo State.

In the same veil, Mr Segun Oyetunji, CEO of Digivate 360 said the training module is targeted at MSME’s while previous beneficiaries has attested that the effectiveness of the program has helped to move their businesses higher.

He added that the offer also includes post training engagement for participants to enable them contribute more effectively to the society.

Akinmade Oluwadare and Ademeso Dolabomi, two participants who were at the event, appreciated the Ondo state government for the opportunity, saying they never knew there was so much business opportunities on Facebook.

The organizers of the program urged the participants to put in use the knowledge acquired from this innovative and informative program.