Yesterday, we had the privilege of empowering hundreds of small business owners in Ekiti State as we concluded the financial empowerment program and the National Business Skills Development Initiative (NBSDI). This initiative was designed to equip entrepreneurs with the skills and resources they need to thrive in competitive industries. Beneficiaries received specialized training, grants, and essential equipment in key sectors such as fashion design, catering, photography, and film. These efforts reflect our unwavering commitment to fostering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) under the current #tinubushettima administration.
We are deeply grateful to His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for his strong support of the MSME sector as a vital engine of economic development. The governor’s pledge to partner with SMEDAN will enable us to expand our programs and offer crucial financial resources to SMEs across the state. This collaboration sets the stage for transformative growth, and we are excited to announce upcoming initiatives that will further strengthen SME development in Ekiti.
During this visit, I had the opportunity to tour the Adire Ekiti Hub, an initiative spearheaded by the First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji. This innovative project has not only revitalized traditional textile production but has also created a sustainable source of income for hundreds of women and citizens in Ekiti. The hub stands as a testament to the power of entrepreneurship and local enterprise in creating jobs and empowering communities.
At SMEDAN, we are committed to supporting projects like the Adire Ekiti Hub as part of our #GrowNigerian strategy. This approach aims to promote the production and purchase of made-in-Nigeria goods, thereby fostering national prosperity. By backing local initiatives and providing tailored business support, we are confident that SMEs will continue to play a pivotal role in driving economic progress in Ekiti and beyond. We look forward to announcing new schemes that will further empower entrepreneurs and ensure their businesses flourish.
