Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing the state’s socioeconomic landscape by fostering a conducive environment for business growth.
Represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Governor Otu made this statement when he received in audience, Mr Charles Odii, the Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), at Government House in Calabar on Tuesday.
Odey highlighted the vital role that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play in driving state development, emphasising their importance within his administration’s ‘People First’ agenda.
He emphasised the efforts of the Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (MEDA), led by Mr Great Ogban, and stressed the need for collaboration with SMEDAN to maximise the contributions of SMEs in job creation, economic revitalisation, and expanding economic opportunities for the citizens of Cross River State.
The Governor also revealed that his administration is actively developing strategies to empower small business owners by leveraging local content policies to help their businesses thrive.
Deputy Governor Odey commended Mr Charles Odii for his dedication to engaging young people in productive activities and providing crucial support for their creative and income-generating endeavours.
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“The only way to build a sustainable and globally competitive economy is through serious commitment, and as a government, we are fully committed to this partnership and future collaborations,” Odey stated.
Speaking earlier, SMEDAN’s Director-General, Mr Charles Odii, appreciated the Cross River State Government for its efforts to strengthen SME activities through MEDA, providing the necessary support and financial services to boost their operations.
He highlighted SMEDAN’s role in Nigeria’s economic growth and development, noting that the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) ecosystem in Nigeria comprises approximately 40 million businesses, with 38 million classified as Nano businesses, primarily youth-led and youth-owned.
Mr Odii emphasised that with proper guidance, improved resources, and adequate opportunities as well as workforce support, Nano businesses have the potential to grow into major enterprises.
In attendance were the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Patrick Egbede, Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr. Ijom-Odum Ukam, Commissioner for Information, Hon. Erasmus Ekpang and the Head of Personal Staff to the Deputy Governor, Dr. Chris Ojikpong, as well as the Director General of MEDA, Mr Great Ogban, along with other government officials.