Tinubu to deliver fashion hub in Makurdi in 90 days — VP Shettima
By Titus Atondu, Makurdi
The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima has revealed that his principal the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will establish a world-class fashion hub in Makurdi for use by small businesses in the tailoring cluster in the state within 90 days.
The Vice President made the disclosure while delivering a speech at the 1st Expanded National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Clinics, themed, “Benue 24: Benue Open for Business” held at IBB Square in Makurdi.
“We are glad that the pioneering spirit of Benue State has set the stage for a transformative MSME Clinic train,” Shettima stated.
He noted that the Federal Government is committed to resolving the bottlenecks affecting the MSME space in Nigeria.
“This occasion is not just a fulfillment of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promise of job creation and accessible capital to Nigerians, but also a homage to the unparalleled spirit of industriousness that defines the people of Benue State.
“We are in a land known for its commitment to hard work, excellence in art, pursuit of creativity, elevation of agriculture, and promotion of commerce. These stand as a testament to the remarkable productivity ingrained within the core of Benue State.
“The reputation earned by the diligent efforts of every person in this food basket of the nation is a beacon of inspiration for us all, and I am honored to join you today.There’s a reason we are holding this expanded National MSME Clinics, the first of its kind by this administration, in this beautiful state.
“It is to recognise the role Benue State has played in offering the nation a means of trade and a vehicle for driving the MSME subsector towards our objective,” the Vice President stressed.
The VP also extended warm greetings on behalf of Mr. President to congratulate His Excellency, Governor Hyacinth Alia, and the entire people of Benue State for graciously hosting this historic occasion.
“Our MSME Clinics stand as symbols of empowerment, a nexus where dreams meet opportunity, where innovation thrives, and where the spirit of entrepreneurship is nurtured by strategic governance.
“Therefore, we must seize this moment to forge a path of prosperity, to leverage the resources at our disposal, to create a thriving ecosystem for the growth and success of our micro, small, and medium enterprises. Every business owner, whether in Makurdi or Oturkpo, Gboko or Katsina Ala, must consider themselves a priority of this government,” He maintained.
Shettima further explained that the extended National MSME Clinics aim to unite regulatory bodies in the MSME sub-sector with MSMEs and investors across small business clusters.
“They are also here to offer solutions to critical barriers hindering the growth of these enterprises in Nigeria. Today, I am joined by heads of esteemed agencies, including SMEDAN, NEPC, NEXIM, ITF, Sugar Council, CAC, NAFDAC, SON, FIRS, BOA, BOI, NITDA, RMRDC, and others, all valuable partners in our commitment to job creation and supporting MSMEs.
“Furthermore, we have engaged the full support of the private sector, including MAN, NASME, NACCIMA, Access Bank, and numerous other entities in this endeavour. These clinics are turning points in our quest to guarantee the ease of doing business.”
According to him, they also offer a methodical opportunity for MSME exhibitors to access immediate working capital through our esteemed partners.
“Thanks to Mr. President, our informal enterprises can seamlessly transition to formal status under the guidance of the CAC during these clinics. For instance, NEPC stands ready to guide and support MSMEs interested in exporting their goods to potential buyers, while NAFDAC and SON are present to facilitate,” he said.
