The onset of COVID-19 dealt a severe blow to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMSEs) in Nigeria, exacerbating the nation's pre-existing socio-economic challenges. Many found themselves teetering on the brink of closure, while others scrambled to pivot and adapt. In this turbulent landscape, the UN Basket Fund Project, spearheaded by the United Nations and partner agencies, emerged as a beacon of hope, reigniting optimism and empowering beneficiaries to fortify their enterprises against future uncertainties.

Among the narratives of resilience, the journey of Mr. Dogala Sakpege, a beneficiary of the UN One Basket Fund Project, stands as an inspiring testament. Dogala's entrepreneurial odyssey began in 2008 after he was laid off from a multinational fertilizer organization plagued by financial mismanagement. Undeterred, he ventured into candle production, initially investing a modest sum of N160,000 in raw materials. However, by 2020, the costs surged to an unsustainable N1.6 million.

In response to this financial challenge, Dogala adeptly diversified his business into petroleum jelly and hand sanitizer production, the latter proving particularly timely given the pandemic's escalating demand. Recognizing the potential for transformation, the UN Basket Project intervened, embracing SMSEs and equipping them for the road ahead. Beneficiaries, including Dogala, received comprehensive training in business management, covering crucial aspects such as product quality standards, business planning, record-keeping, sustainability, occupational safety, and health.