During the 7th Expanded National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Clinic in Akure, Vice President Kashim Shettima highlighted the essential role of Ondo State in Nigeria’s economic landscape.
He stated that the nation’s economy cannot achieve significant growth without the success of its small businesses, a sector he described as the backbone of the economy.
The event, which took place on Tuesday at the International Culture and Event Centre, Akure, brought together key figures to discuss the importance of MSMEs.
Shettima, the Special Guest of Honour, emphasised that these businesses are crucial for poverty reduction and national prosperity, providing up to 90% of jobs in the country.
He stressed that the government’s economic agenda is directly linked to the expansion of small businesses.
Shettima shared that 65 MSMEs in Ondo State have already benefited from the federal government’s N75 billion intervention fund, which offers accessible financing.
He also announced a major agricultural push under the “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which includes a plan to plant 100 million oil palm trees and revitalise the cocoa industry nationwide.
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He commended Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his administration’s focus on infrastructure and support for entrepreneurs, noting that the state’s development efforts were impressive.
However, Aiyedatiwa lauded the MSME Clinic as a game-changer for Nigeria’s economy, emphasising that his administration is fully committed to nurturing small businesses through its “OUR EASE” agenda.
This initiative mirrors the federal government’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
He celebrated the success of local businesses like Denki Wire and Cables Ltd and Kay Classic Fashion, which have received national accolades.
The governor detailed the state’s various support programs, including providing over N220 million in interest-free loans through the Ondo State Micro-Credit Agency (ODSMA) in 2024.
Other initiatives mentioned were the “One Youth One Skill” program, the Odatiwa Skills Development Enterprise Centres (OSDEC), and access to the Bank of Industry’s N75 billion fund.
He appealed to the Vice President for federal assistance in creating a Fashion Hub Shared Facility and an Oil Palm Processing Plant in the state to boost the local economy.
Ekiti State Governor Abiodun Oyebanji, Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other officials also spoke at the event.
They praised the clinic’s focus on human capacity building and encouraged the public to support locally made goods.
Earlier in the day, Shettima met with the Ondo State Council of Obas to seek their continued support for the administration’s policies.
