“We’re providing incentives for small businesses,” says Gov Aiyedatiwa at National MSME Clinic in Akure
Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has reiterated the critical role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in national development, declaring that Nigeria’s economic growth must be rooted in the empowerment of small businesses.
Shettima made this statement on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, during the 7th edition of the Expanded National MSME Clinic, held at the International Culture and Event Centre, The Dome, in Akure, Ondo State.
According to the Vice President, MSMEs account for over 90 percent of jobs in Nigeria and remain the most reliable tools for achieving poverty alleviation, wealth creation, and inclusive economic growth.
“MSMEs are the lifeblood of our economy. Without their growth, our broader economic aspirations will remain elusive. That’s why the Federal Government has prioritized support for small businesses,” Shettima said.
He announced that 65 entrepreneurs in Ondo State have already accessed the Federal Government’s N75 billion MSME intervention fund, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding this support.
“This fund is structured to provide affordable and accessible financing for small businesses across Nigeria. Ondo State is key to our national economic strategy and I urge more entrepreneurs to take advantage of this opportunity,” Shettima added.
He also disclosed plans to revive Nigeria’s cocoa industry and support agricultural diversification, citing President Bola Tinubu’s directive to plant 100 million oil palm trees nationwide as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Shettima commended Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for the significant strides made in infrastructure, economic support, and youth empowerment in Ondo State.
“What I’ve seen here today is commendable. Governor Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to MSME development and economic growth is evident,” the Vice President noted.
In his remarks, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the MSME Clinic as a transformative initiative that aligns with his administration’s OUR EASE agenda to empower entrepreneurs and stimulate economic growth.
“Our government is fully committed to unlocking the full potential of MSMEs. We’ve created interest-free loan schemes, skill development centers, and opened up new access to federal and state funds,” Aiyedatiwa stated.
He highlighted local success stories such as Denki Wire and Cables Ltd and Kay Classic Fashion—both of whom recently won national awards—as proof of the state’s growing entrepreneurial spirit.
The Governor appealed to the Federal Government to establish a Fashion Hub Shared Facility and an Oil Palm Processing Plant in Ondo State to boost productivity and support local industries.
Also speaking at the event, Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, applauded the MSME Clinic initiative, describing it as a strategic approach to sustainable development through local productivity.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, in his goodwill message, urged Nigerians to patronize locally made products and called for increased collaboration between the public and private sectors to support small businesses.
Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Mr. Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, also spoke, emphasizing the tangible benefits of the MSME Clinic across Nigeria, particularly in granting businesses direct access to key regulatory agencies.
Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olayide Adelami, welcomed the Vice President and highlighted the state’s economic empowerment efforts. He praised Governor Aiyedatiwa’s business-friendly policies and reiterated the administration’s commitment to inclusive economic growth.
Also speaking, the Governor’s SSA on Youth Empowerment and Job Creation, Orioye Gbayisemore, stated that over 10,000 youths have been empowered in the state through various programs. He described Ondo’s youth population as resilient, creative, and integral to national development.
Earlier in the day, Vice President Shettima visited the Ondo State Council of Obas Secretariat where he met with traditional rulers, seeking continued royal backing for the Tinubu administration’s national development reforms ahead of 2027.
