I am deeply honored to receive the prestigious Public Service Award from Sun Nigeria today, alongside a group of distinguished Nigerians who have made significant contributions in various sectors. This recognition is not just a personal milestone, but a reflection of the collective work and dedication of our entire team at the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), as we strive to promote the growth and development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across the nation.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the management of Sun Nigeria for recognizing our efforts and contributions to the President’s prosperity agenda, which is aimed at fostering economic growth through SME empowerment. This award is a testament to the strides we have made in creating an enabling environment for SMEs to thrive, despite the numerous challenges that still confront the sector. It is a humbling reminder that the work we do at SMEDAN has a real impact on the lives of countless entrepreneurs and business owners across Nigeria, who are the true engines of our economy.

While we take a moment to celebrate this achievement, we are keenly aware that there is still much work to be done. The journey towards building a robust and sustainable SME sector in Nigeria is ongoing, and there are many more milestones to cross. The challenges faced by SMEs, from limited access to finance and markets to regulatory bottlenecks, remain pressing issues that demand our continuous attention and action. However, this award serves as a powerful motivation for us to push forward with even greater determination.

At SMEDAN, we remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering an ecosystem where SMEs can not only survive but thrive. We will continue to work tirelessly to provide the necessary support, infrastructure, and policy advocacy that will help SMEs overcome the challenges they face and unlock their full potential.

In conclusion, this recognition from Sun Nigeria is not just a celebration of past achievements, but a call to action for the future. It reinforces the importance of our mission and the critical role that SMEs play in driving Nigeria’s economic development. We look forward to scaling new heights and achieving even greater success as we continue to serve our nation and its vibrant SME community.