Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani has expressed strong support for President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to combating poverty in Nigeria, emphasizing the administration’s strategy to empower small businesses as a catalyst for economic development. During a town hall meeting on the Presidential Grants and Loans Scheme for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) held in Kaduna, Sani articulated the crucial role these enterprises play in driving the nation’s economy and enhancing job creation. The event, conducted in collaboration with the Bank of Industry, aimed to engage potential recipients of the N200 billion Presidential Intervention Fund, a targeted initiative designed to bolster SMEs and manufacturers across Nigeria.
Governor Sani, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Economic Matters, Ibrahim Mohammed, shared insights into the contemporary economic landscape, underscoring that the initiative aligns seamlessly with ongoing efforts in Kaduna State to foster a supportive environment for local businesses. Sani referenced initiatives led by the Kaduna State Enterprise Development Agency, which offers various forms of assistance such as grants, subsidies, and business development services aimed at empowering entrepreneurs. He noted that the timing of this intervention is critical, providing a much-needed boost to develop an ecosystem conducive to innovation and the flourishing of business ideas in the state.
He outlined several measures that the state is implementing to enhance the performance of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), including the establishment of Skills Cities aimed at building relevant skills for the modern workforce. Additionally, Sani mentioned infrastructure improvements, such as road construction to facilitate trade, and partnerships with Afrexim Bank to enhance product quality and readiness for international markets through the African Quality Assurance Centre. These initiatives signify a robust effort to strengthen the local economy and empower entrepreneurs, enabling them to take advantage of the various support mechanisms available.
Sani encouraged local entrepreneurs to actively engage with the N200 billion Presidential Intervention Fund, urging them to leverage the resources to grow their businesses and generate employment opportunities. He highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders, stressing that the government cannot achieve the set goals in isolation. This call to action was aimed at galvanizing support from various sectors and communities to maximize the impact of the intervention fund, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and collective progress.
In his concluding remarks, Governor Sani reiterated the Tinubu administration’s determination to address poverty through strategic support for MSMEs, viewing this as a pathway to broader economic transformation. He lauded President Tinubu as a leader attuned to the needs of small businesses and manufacturers, highlighting the administration’s responsiveness to current challenges. This forward-thinking approach seeks not only to alleviate immediate economic distress but also to lay the foundations for sustainable growth in Nigeria’s economic landscape.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Joy Oghiadomhe, representing the Bank of Industry, provided detailed information about the eligibility requirements for the grant and loan schemes, reinforcing the centrality of MSMEs in the government’s plan to mitigate economic difficulties. She revealed that over 100 entrepreneurs in Kaduna have already benefited from grants linked to the initiative, showcasing the real-world impact of this support. The town hall meeting thus served as a vital platform for disseminating information and fostering engagement among stakeholders in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, aimed at promoting financial inclusion and encouraging the growth of small businesses throughout Kaduna State and beyond.
