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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
News
Youth attempt to disarm soldiers enforcing curfew in Niger
Youth attempt to disarm soldiers enforcing curfew in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
Some youths in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State allegedly attempted to disarm soldiers enforcing a curfew before fleeing the scene, security sources have said.
Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred at about 10:35 p.m. on March 10 when troops of the 221 Battalion, Wawa Cantonment, were on patrol to enforce the curfew declared by the Chairman of Borgu Local Government.
According to the sources, the troops were patrolling along the Correctional Service Office area in New Bussa when they intercepted some motorcycles.
During the encounter, some aggressive youths reportedly began stoning the soldiers and attempted to struggle with them in a bid to seize a rifle, while also hurling abusive language.
The troops fired warning shots into the air to disperse the youths, who later fled the scene.
The Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service subsequently reported the incident to the police.
Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in New Bussa immediately mobilised more security personnel to the area, but the youths had already dispersed.
Community leaders, including the village head, were later invited and cautioned to maintain peace and ensure residents avoid confrontations or misunderstandings with security personnel.
Security sources said no arrest was made and no injury was recorded, while the military troops continued their patrol in the area.
Youth attempt to disarm soldiers enforcing curfew in Niger
News
ISWAP appoints Abu Ameer as new pulka commander after neutralization of Modu Kundiri
ISWAP appoints Abu Ameer as new pulka commander after neutralization of Modu Kundiri
By: Zagazola Makama
Following the recent neutralization of Modu Kundiri, the senior commander (Qa’id) of Pulka camp in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has appointed a replacement to sustain its operational command in the area.
Intelligence reports obtained on the evening of March 11, 2026, revealed that ISWAP leadership quickly designated Abu Ameer as the new commander (Qa’id) of Pulka camp. The move pointed out to the group’s efforts in maintaining command continuity despite recent setbacks.
Kundiri had served as the senior commander, also known as Qa’id, of the group’s Pulka camp, a strategic operational hub located in the southern axis of Borno near the border with Adamawa State and Cameroon.
Pulka occupies a critical position in the insurgency landscape due to its geographical proximity to the border regions linking Borno State with Adamawa State and neighbouring Cameroon.
The area has historically served as a transit corridor for insurgent fighters, logistics supplies and communication networks operating across multiple theatres.
According to intelligence discussions intercepted on March 11, fighters loyal to the group are still present in Ngalta village, located between Pulka in Gwoza LGA and Madagali Local Government Area in Adamawa State.
The disclosure reportedly came during internal exchanges among insurgent members, where a fighter identified as Konto informed another member, Manya, about the continued presence of fighters in the area.
Such conversations indicated that despite losing commanders, the group continues to maintain operational cells and surveillance elements within the Pulka–Ngalta–Madagali corridor.
The continued presence of fighters in Ngalta village suggests that the insurgents may still retain limited operational capability along the Borno–Adamawa border axis. Such locations often function as temporary regrouping points or staging areas for movement between remote settlements.
The development therefore point to the need for sustained intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance and coordinated ground operations across the corridor.
Zagazola emphasise the importance of maintaining strong collaboration between military forces, local vigilante groups and community intelligence networks to detect insurgent movement.
The development comes amid ongoing operations by the Nigerian military to dismantle ISWAP strongholds across the Northeast and reinforce stability in affected communities.
ISWAP appoints Abu Ameer as new pulka commander after neutralization of Modu Kundiri
News
Buni attends funeral prayers of Wali Shettima, elder brother, in Nauru
Buni attends funeral prayers of Wali Shettima, elder brother, in Nauru
By: Yahaya Wakili
The Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN, and other top government functionaries attended today the funeral prayers for Ba Wali Shettima, elder brother to Yobe State Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali mni, in Nguru town of Yobe State.
Ably represented by his deputy, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana (Wazirin Fune), the funeral prayers were led by the chief imam of Nguru Central Mosque, Shiek Ibrahim Shehu Ahmad.
The governor described the death of the renowned Islamic scholar Ba Wali as a huge loss not only to the Nguru community but to the whole Yobe state.
Gubana further extolled the virtues of the late Ba Wali as a committed and dedicated cleric, an epitome of peace and knowledge who contributed his own quota towards teaching and propagating Islam.
Late Ba Wali died at the University Teaching Hospital, Damaturu, on Tuesday after a protracted illness at the age of 80. He is survived by a wife, ten (10) children, and many grandchildren.
Special prayers were offered by Chief Imam Shiek Ibrahim Shehu Ahmad. May Aljanna Firdausi be the reward of his good deeds. Amin, suma Amin.
Buni attends funeral prayers of Wali Shettima, elder brother, in Nauru
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