By Thompson Yamput
Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi on Wednesday said Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) were vital to the livelihood of citizens and the growth of the nation’s economy.
The governor made the remark while declaring open the state’s maiden edition of MSME workshop in commemoration of International MSME Day in Lokoja.
Bello said records showed that MSMEs accounted for 90 per cent of businesses, 60 to 70 per cent of employment and 30 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) world wide.
“It’s a fact that MSMEs are the drivers of our economy and so there should be deliberate and careful efforts at boosting the businesses of our committed and determined young men and women.
“This explained why at the inception of my administration we decided to establish the Kogi Enterprises Development Agency (KEDA) toward ensuring that our entrepreneurs are well encouraged.
“By the grace of God my administration will create over 500,000 new businesses in the state before the expiration of my tenure in 2024.
“As a governor I wish to bequeath to the citizens of Kogi a very robust and vibrant economy that will stand the test of time long after l am gone,” he pledged.
The governor announced July 13 every year as the Day the state would be celebrating the MSME International Day.
He tasked the participants at the workshop to fully participate, contribute and put to use the knowledge acquired.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Managing Director of KEDA, Hajia Rekiya Onaivo-Sanni, said the contribution of MSMEs to job creation, income generation, trade and inclusive growth called for celebration.
“In spite of this feat, a lot still needs to be done to make MSMEs reach their full potential to boost our economy the more.
“It is against this backdrop that KEDA took the step further by initiating Kogi MSME Workshop, which is expected to set in motion Kogi MSME Clinic.
“It is one of the strategies to make it easier to do business in the state and increase revenue, while decreasing unemployment,” she said.
According to her, the project is expected to bring together businesses and government agencies to a series of business forums where MSMEs can interact and access opportunities for growth.
“As an agency, we will continue to provide productive interfaces and technical support for enterprenuers in Kogi to be fully equipped with the necessary skills and expertise to compete in the business environment even at global level.
“This is in addition to some of the initiatives that the Gov. Yayaha Bello’s administration has put in place to stimulate and enhance business growth in Kogi. Some of which have started yielding great results,” said Onaivo-Sanni.
She added that KEDA was implementing Result Area 3, which would mitigate the local effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Kogi by supporting the recovery of local economic activities, especially among Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs).
She urged the participants to consider the workshop as “the contribution of the state government to support enterprenuers and boost your businesses.” (NAN)