Empowering Return Migrants: A 6-Day SIYB Training

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in partnership with the EU-funded Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa (MPRR-SSA), and in collaboration with Patriotic Citizen Initiative (PCI), has been conducting a series of business skills training programs across multiple states in Nigeria, including Lagos, Benin, Delta, Ibadan, Kano, and Ogun State. This ongoing initiative aims to empower returned migrant - potential-entrepreneurs with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to generate business ideas, start their business, sustain and grow their existing businesses, fostering economic stability and growth within these communities.

The SIYB Training Program

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) organises 6-day Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) training program for returned Nigerian migrants. This comprehensive training aimed to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to start and grow their own businesses.

The SIYB Modules: A Path to Entrepreneurial Success

The training utilized the Generate Your Business Idea (GYB), Start Your Business (SYB), and SIYB Game modules. These modules played a crucial role in:

GYB: Helping participants generate and evaluate business ideas.
SYB: Guiding participants in creating a business plan and preparing for startup.
SIYB: Game: Providing a practical and interactive way to learn business concepts.

Key Training Areas

In addition to the SIYB modules, the training program covered several pivotal areas, including:

Effective Communication and Negotiation: Mastering the art of impactful communication to forge strong relationships and facilitate successful business interactions.
Financial Management: Acquiring a comprehensive understanding of financial planning, marketing, budgeting, and record-keeping practices. Participants learned to make informed financial decisions that drive business growth and stability.
Leadership: Discovering effective leadership strategies to motivate and inspire teams, fostering a productive and cohesive business environment.
Sales and Marketing: Developing influential sales techniques and marketing strategies to attract new customers and expand business reach, both online and offline.
Digital Marketing: Harnessing the potential of digital tools and platforms to promote businesses, engage with customers, and amplify online presence.

A Hands-on Learning Experience

Throughout the training, participants engage in group work, question-and-answer sessions, and practical exercises. The training is facilitated by SIYB trainers from various organizations. A key component of the training's success lies in its quality control mechanism, spearheaded by the Master Trainer-Lead Trainer approach. This structure ensures that high standards are consistently met across all training sessions.

The Master Trainer, Osita Osemene, plays a pivotal role as a coach and supervisor, overseeing training activities across states where trainings are held. This oversight includes regular supervision and virtual support to Lead Trainers, Benjamin Ajogwu and Chinonye Opara, who are strategically positioned in different states where the trainings are held. Their role is crucial in monitoring the quality of training delivery and ensuring that the standardized methodology is uniformly applied.

The Master Trainer-Lead Trainer approach is designed to guarantee that the IOM training system maintains its integrity and consistency, regardless of location. By providing a structured system of checks and balances, this approach ensures that all participants receive high-quality training, adhering to the established standards of the SIYB program.

This setup not only enhances the effectiveness of the training but also fosters an environment of continuous improvement and support among trainers. Through this meticulous quality control process, the training program aims to empower participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their entrepreneurial endeavors.

Achievements and Impact

The SIYB training has been instrumental in empowering return migrants with the skills and confidence to start their own businesses. Some key achievements include:

Increased business knowledge: Participants gained a deeper understanding of business concepts and principles.
Improved entrepreneurial skills: Participants developed the skills and confidence to start and grow their own businesses.
Business idea generation: Participants were able to generate and evaluate business ideas, paving the way for future entrepreneurial success.

Looking Ahead

Upon completion of the training, participants will receive assistance with business start-up funds from the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This support will enable them to turn their business ideas into reality, promoting economic growth and stability.