Business and Economy
FG Inaugurates MSMEs Steering Committee
The Federal Government on Thursday inaugurated the National Steering Committee of National Business Development Services Providers (BDSPs) certification and accreditation framework to ensure professional support to Micro Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (MSMEs). adsbygoogle || []).push({}); com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
Amb. Mariam Katagum, the Minister of State for Industry Trade and Investment, while inaugurating the committee in Abuja said the certification and accreditation framework would set standard for business development service interventions.
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and MAFITA, a UK aid funded intervention in Nigeria had worked assiduously to develop the framework for MSMEs development in Nigeria.
Katagum said that the committee was apt considering lack of access to affordable and credible business development services which had been one of the major challenges militating against MSMEs growth and development in Nigeria.
The minister, while commending SMEDAN and its partners said that the accreditation would standardise curriculum for deployment of relevant business development services for all functional areas of any small business.
“The framework will also help in the formation of a new generation of professionals that would want to make a career out of strengthening the ecosystem.
“Certification will see prospective participants going through training, assessment and portfolio development, for those who have not yet had any transactional history of working with small businesses.
“At the end of the certification programme, successful BDSPs will be in a position amongst other skills to demonstrate technical knowledge relevant to the effective delivery of the business development service provision to MSMEs.
“Successful BDSPs will use effective facilitation skills to support MSMEs in overcoming challenges apply relevant diagnostic tools in assessing the MSMEs business and provide necessary support based on information derived from same,’’ Katagum said.
The minister said the committee would ensure strict compliance with the pre-certification training conditions, adding that two foremost institutions in Nigeria had been selected, certified to train and present candidates for certification and accreditation.
According to her, these institutions, the Enterprise Development Center (EDC), Pan Atlantic University, Lagos and the Entrepreneurship Support Centre (ESC), Kaduna Business School are currently implementing the training programmes across the country.
The ambassador said the committee’s relevance could not be over-emphasised as it was expected to effectively coordinate the certification and accreditation process to ensure that a high level of transparency and credibility on the framework.
Dr Dikko Radda, the Director-General, SMEDAN thanked the committee members for accepting to be part of the national assignment, adding that its aim was to ensure that MSMEs operators were well trained and certified.
He said that the BDSPs had been striving for their services to add value for money hence their services were needed to boost the sector.
Radda appreciated the ministry for its continuous support toward the development of MSMEs entirely.
Mr Waheed Olagunju, former Acting Managing Director of Bank of Industry (BOI) on behalf of the committee thanked the Federal Government for reposing confidence on the members and pledged commitment to achieve its aim.
Olagunju described that the members of the committee worthy to carry out such assignment and promised to operate according its terms of reference.
Source: NAN
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Business and Economy
Kogi GOBO Initiative Empowers Petty Traders in Kabba Central Market, Reinforces Support for Governor Ododo
By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
The Kogi Forum of Senior Special Assistants (KFSSA) and leaders of the Governor Ododo Business Outreach (GOBO) today 22-11-2024 visited Kabba Central Market to empower local traders and engage community leaders.
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Led by Hon. Yahaya Shehu Ahmed, Chairman and Director General of GOBO, the delegation began their activities with a courtesy visit to the palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi. The traditional ruler commended the initiative and the foresight of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in appointing competent individuals dedicated to improving the lives of citizens.
The team then visited the official residence of the Executive Chairman of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, Hon. (Barr.) Zacchaeus Dare Michael. He expressed his appreciation for the efforts of KFSSA and GOBO, noting that the outreach was a commendable step toward bridging the gap between government appointees and the grassroots.
At Kabba Central Market, the GOBO team provided direct financial support to 20 petty traders, including sellers of berneseed, tomatoes, and roasted plantains. Each beneficiary received 50,000 naira to expand their businesses. The gesture aimed to improve the economic situation of the traders and inspire confidence in the government’s dedication to addressing the needs of ordinary citizens.
The initiative also included plans to monitor the progress of the beneficiaries, ensuring that the financial assistance achieves its intended purpose. Hon. Femi Esemikose and Hon. Augustine Egbebi were tasked with following up on the traders’ activities.
The success of the Kabba-Bunu outreach is expected to serve as a model for similar initiatives in other parts of Kogi West Senatorial District and the state. As the GOBO program continues to expand, more communities will benefit from its efforts to empower individuals and enhance economic development.
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Business and Economy
Naira appreciates N28.85 against dollar at official market
The Naira on Thursday, November 21st, 2024 appreciated at the official market trading at N1,658.67 against the dollar.
Data from the official trading platform of the FMDQ Exchange, revealed that the Naira gained N28.
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This represents a 1.7 per cent gain, compared to the previous trading date on Wednesday when it exchanged at N1,687.52 to a dollar.
However, the total daily turnover reduced to 163.66 million dollars on Thursday, down from to 173.29 million dollars recorded on Wednesday.
At the Investor’s and Exporter’s (I&E) window, the Naira traded between N1,707.50 and N1,631.00 against the dollar.
Source: NAN
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Business and Economy
Governor Ododo Endorses GOBO Initiative, Empowering Small-Scale Entrepreneurs and Vulnerable Populations
By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
The Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo has thrown his weight behind the Governor Ododo Business Outreach (GOBO) initiative, a program aimed at uplifting marginalized groups and providing economic opportunities at the community level.
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During a strategic meeting with the Kogi State Forum of Senior Special Assistants in his office on 06-11-2024, the Governor expressed his support for GOBO, which aligns with his vision of inclusive governance.
Launched on October 31, 2024, GOBO has already shown positive impact, with increased visibility and support among petty traders and small businesses. The initiative provides sustainable business avenues for those previously lacking access to financial resources and market opportunities.
Hon. Yahaya Shehu Ahmed, Chairman of the Kogi State Forum of Senior Special Assistants, thanked the Governor for his encouragement and support.
The Governor commended the forum’s dedication to GOBO and its commitment to improving citizens’ quality of life, assuring continued support and encouraging ways to deepen GOBO’s impact across the state.
The forum also presented an award of excellence to former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, recognizing his contributions to the state’s growth and effective governance , particularly the choice of Gov Ododo and his Deputy.
This development is consistent with research highlighting the importance of government support for entrepreneurship development in Kogi State.
Shehu noted that Small and medium-scale enterprises have significantly contributed to the state’s economic growth, stressing that the GOBO initiative demonstrates the power of grassroots-driven solutions and inclusive growth, marking a step towards sustainable development in Kogi State.
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