Masterpiece Resource Development Centre (MRDC) has reaffirmed organisation’s dedication to fostering sustainable entrepreneurship, following the conclusion of a major capacity-building programme in Lagos.
In a statement issued by the organisation, Modupe Oyekunle, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of MRDC, revealed the successful completion of the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) Training-of-Trainers programme.
The initiative was conducted in partnership with the NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW), to enhance entrepreneurial skills both within Nigeria and across Africa.
Oyekunle stated, “MRDC was established for the discovery, development, and deployment of youth and women entrepreneurs. We build capacity, encourage mentoring, create platforms for networking, and foster a collaborative ecosystem where entrepreneurs support one another.”
She said the MRDC identified the need to build a strong internal faculty of trainers who could deliver impactful mentorship grounded in real-world experience.
“We realised we needed a team of trainers who could not only train but also guide others based on real-world experience,” she said.
The initiative, she noted, culminated in MRDC’s adoption of the ILO’s globally recognised Train-the-Trainer certification, which has helped to elevate the quality of business support offered by the Centre.
While expressing gratitude to the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce and Industry for nominating participants, Oyekunle added, “This is our second cohort, and we are grateful for the support of the ministry. Their involvement strengthens our impact.”
She said MRDC’s curriculum spans key modules such as ‘Generate Your Business Idea’, ‘Start Your Business’, and ‘Improve Your Business’. According to her, “Whether you are just starting or ready to scale, we have trained mentors who combine professionalism with real-life experience to guide you.”
Also speaking, Noruwa Edokopolo, Board Member and Master Trainer, said the ILO’s SIYB model has a global track record of empowering entrepreneurs.
Edokopolo said, “This training framework developed by the ILO has empowered millions of entrepreneurs globally. It provides tested tools and methodologies for launching and managing sustainable businesses.”
He added that MRDC’s integration of the model has brought global standards to local entrepreneurs.
In her remarks, Toyin Benjamin, MRDC’s Public Relations Officer, a participant, said the training had helped her identify practical flaws in her business operations, noting, “It is not just about funding; many businesses fail due to poor planning and inaccurate costing. This training teaches you to identify those gaps and correct them.”
Another participant, Oriola Oluwatosin, described the training as “a powerful tool for growth”, noting that it had equipped him with the knowledge and confidence to support fellow entrepreneurs and scale his own business.
