Sani Lauds Tinubu Over N200bn Loan Scheme for MSMEs

John Shiklam in Kaduna

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has lauded President Bola Tinubu for the N200b Presidential Grants and Loans Scheme for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Speaking at a town hall meeting in Kaduna, organised to sensitise targeted beneficiaries, Sani said Tinubu is determined to eradicate poverty in Nigeria.

The governor, represented by his Special Adviser on Economic Matters, Ibrahim Mohammed, said the initiative was evidence that the president is a listening leader who wants small businesses to succeed.
He said: “This event is aimed at sensitizing and mobilizing target beneficiaries of the N200b Presidential Intervention fund to elicit their maximum participation.

“The intervention fund comprises the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme and a loan scheme for MSMEs and Manufacturing enterprises in Nigeria.”
Sani said Tinubu is a listening leader and has heard the cries of Nigerians. His words: “He has heard the cries of Nigerians running small businesses and manufacturing enterprises and has taken urgent steps to address their challenges.”

The governor said the initiative will not only reinvigorate small businesses and manufacturing enterprises but will impact positively on the Nigerian economy.
According to him, “MSMEs are the backbone of our economy, significantly contributing to job creation, innovation, and economic resilience.

“They drive local economies and provide livelihoods for millions of Nigerians. This is why, on the assumption of office in May 2023, my administration committed itself to creating an enabling environment for businesses to flourish and contribute to the economy of Kaduna state in particular.”
Speaking further, he said, the Kaduna State Enterprise Development Agency (KADEDA) provides business development services to MSMES through the facilitation of access to finance and markets.

He explained that the agency focuses on capacity building, business grants, mentorship, and networking.
“Its main goal is to empower individuals to establish sustainable businesses and improve their quality of life, particularly women and youth,” he said.

The governor added that the establishment  of skills acquisition centres in each of the three Senatorial Zones of the state is aimed at empowering youths with relevant skills for the 21st century to contribute to the GDP of the state and also equip the MSMEs with earning possibilities.
He called on the collaboration of everyone to ensure the success of the initiatives.
“The private sector actors, religious organizations, organized labour, civil society and more need to partner to achieve the project’s intended objectives.”

“This Presidential Intervention fund couldn’t have come at a better time. We believe it will go a long way in supporting the efforts that the state government is making to promote an enabling business environment for MSMEs to thrive.

“I therefore encourage all stakeholders to share this knowledge within your networks,” the governor said.
Also speaking, an official of the Bank of Industry (BoI), Mrs. Joy Oghiadomhe, said the initiative is part of efforts by President Tinubu’s administration to address economic challenges through MSMEs