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Our Resolve To Protect SMEs Remain Unshaken – VP Shettima
Our Resolve To Protect SMEs Remain Unshaken – VP Shettima
Commissions SMEDAN headquarters in Abuja
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s watch will never shift ground in its determination to protect businesses in Nigeria.
According to him, enterprises are not only the very bedrock of a society but also reflect the direction the government is heading to and the speed with which it is doing so.
The VP who stated this on Wednesday while commissioning the corporate headquarters of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) in Abuja noted that the Tinubu administration is strategically focusing on job creation, capital accessibility, economic growth, and poverty eradication to revamp the economy.
Shettima said, “Allow me to emphasise the importance of this moment: there is no more fitting time than now to reinforce the protection of enterprises in Nigeria. These enterprises not only stand as the very bedrock of our society but also reflect the direction the government is headed and the velocity with which we do so.
“This moment solidifies His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assurance to protect our enterprises. It resonates deeply within our economic revitalisation plan. His focus on job creation, capital accessibility, economic growth, and poverty eradication forms the very skeleton of our strategy to invigorate the economy. Inevitably, this path demands tough decisions, yet ones essential to our success.”
The VP also recalled that he had inaugurated the National MSME Council ten days ago, saying it was just the beginning that sets the stage for what is up ahead.
Explaining how President Tinubu intends to make sure businesses and other economic enterprises prosper in the country, VP Shettima said, “Notably, our partnership with the Bank of Industry to unveil a N75 billion, 9% interest loan accessible to Nigerian MSMEs as of January 2024 is a pivotal stride. This initiative is geared towards fostering a more conducive and enabling business environment.
“This government doesn’t just boast some of the nation’s finest talents; it champions those invested in ensuring our business owners have front-row seats in our journey towards progress. Our goal is to cultivate an ecosystem where Nigerian businesses become regular features in globally recognized publications such as Forbes, Bloomberg, and the Financial Times for the right reasons.
“We are all well aware that Mr. President’s readiness to take action has never faltered, and what we are witnessing here is just a component of the strategies in place to create a future brimming with endless opportunities”.
The Vice President congratulated the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, and the leadership of SMEDAN, saying they have proven that they are ready to transform “concepts into tangible actions.
“This initiative renews hope for a critical segment of our entrepreneurial community, and highlights our sensitivity to the economic clock of the nation,” he added.
Earlier in her remarks, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Uzoka-Anite, thanked Vice President Shettima for his unwavering support to MSMEs in the country.
She said the completion and commissioning of the new SMEDAN Complex is a clear demonstration of the commitment of the Tinubu administration to the development of the MSME space.
She also outlined other initiatives of the federal government targeted at building capacity and linking MSMEs to markets at home and abroad.
For his part, the Director General of SMEDAN, Mr Charles Odii, thanked the Vice President for his support and guidance in the actualisation of the project and leadership in the MSME space.
He said the agency and the entire MSME community in Nigeria have recorded significant achievements within a short period of time under the leadership of the VP.
He assured that the agency will continue to collaborate with sister organisations to ensure sustainable growth in the sector.
Other dignitaries at the event were the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industry, Trade and Investment, Sen. Fadahunsi Anthony; Chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta, Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong; Chairman of the House Committee on Small and Medium Enterprises, Hon. Mansur Manu Soro; Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Evelyn Ngige, as well as heads of government agencies and parastatals.
Our Resolve To Protect SMEs Remain Unshaken – VP Shettima
Five Dead, 26 Injured in Lagos Building Collapse – Police sources
By Zagazola Makama
Five persons have been confirmed dead while 26 others sustained varying degrees of injuries following the collapse of a two-storey building under construction in the Ojodu area of Lagos State.
The incident occurred at about 9:00 a.m. on Friday at No. 10 Oremeta Street, Ojodu, where the building, owned by Equal Right Company, caved in during ongoing construction work aimed at adding a third floor.
Police at the Lagos state command said that the building, which had remained under construction for several years, was being used as a restaurant on the ground floor, with staff and customers trapped at the time of the collapse.
Upon receipt of a distress call, the police said rescue efforts were swiftly activated as a combined team of conventional policemen, Police Tactical Teams, firefighters, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Ambulance Service, Red Cross, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) were mobilized to the scene.
“So far, 26 victims who sustained varying degrees of injuries have been rescued and taken to the hospital for treatment, while five persons were recovered dead,” the statement read.
Police said search and rescue operations are ongoing, as more victims may still be trapped under the debris.
aFive Dead, 26 Injured in Lagos Building Collapse – Police sources
INTERNATIONAL GOLFERS ARRIVE DELTA STATE
· LATE OLARE-AJA OF KOKO GOLF TOURNAMENT BEGINS IN KOKO
· AKOGATE, COUNTRY CLUB UNVEIL ACTIVITIES FOR AGANBI MEMORIAL
By: Our Reporter
The Late Olare-Aja of Koko Golf Classic is due to begin on Friday, April 25, 2025 in Delta State.
The tournament scheduled from April 25-27 will be held at Country Club, Canaan Land.
‘’The invitational event is to celebrate the life and legacy of Deacon S. E. Aganbi, Second Republic Politician, Bible Interpreter and Revered Founder of Canaan Land, who served his people with unwavering dedication until his passing. It is also to honour his enduring values of leadership, integrity, love and cultural stewardship’’ a statement by the Chief Executive Officer of Akogate Group, Felix Aganbi said.
The statement issued in Koko, headquarters of Warri North Local Government Area, expressed excitement about the tournament’s potential success.
‘’ ‘’There is a huge amount at stake. We are looking forward to the top talent from across the world competing at the Late Olare-Aja of Koko Golf Classic. We are also looking forward to a memorable weekend filled with friendship, competition and community spirit.
The statement highlighted Akogate’s role in the advancement of sports and inspiration of sportspersons in Nigeria and abroad.
‘’We are excited by the overall enthusiasm of amateur and professional golfers towards the history making Late Olare-Aja of Koko Golf Classic’’
The statement unveiled badminton, table tennis, darts, Ayo, Ludo, cocktail night and award presentation party as activities lined up for the celebration of the life of the renowned lawyer and politician’’.
It further highlighted the exceptional opportunity for rising stars to compete against world-class players.
‘There are a lot of players who will be playing. There are also many players on the waiting list hoping to gain entry. It will be a star-studded field’’ the statement added.
INTERNATIONAL GOLFERS ARRIVE DELTA STATE
Council Durbar inaugurated to revive cultural heritage—Committee Secretary
By: Yahaya Wakili
The Bade emirate council durbar committee was inaugurated three years ago by His Royal Highness, the Mai of Bade, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Suleiman, with sole responsibility to revive and improve the cultural heritage of the emirate.
The secretary of the committee, Alhaji Sale Garba Suleiman, disclosed this to newsmen in Gashua, the headquarters of the emirate. He said, By reviving our cultural heritage, our younger generation will grow up with their own culture.
He revealed that the committee will solicit advice and cooperation from the Yobe State Art and Culture Board to improve and boost our cultural heritage and also advise other emirates to emulate what the Bade Emirate Council is doing.
Sale maintained that his royal father was the first person who put his contribution into the committee account; therefore, he appealed to all sons and Bade emirate lovers to contribute generously to this committee.
The Secretary thanks and deeply appreciates the leadership of His Royal Highness, the Mai of Bade, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Suleiman, for his dedication to preserving the rich cultural heritage of Bade.
He also commended the effort of Hon. Yau Usman Dachia, Deputy Speaker of the Yobe House of Assembly, for his support, encouragement, and contribution to rendering this committee able to execute its function successfully.
Council Durbar inaugurated to revive cultural heritage—Committee Secretary
Five Dead, 26 Injured in Lagos Building Collapse – Police sources
INTERNATIONAL GOLFERS ARRIVE DELTA STATE
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