The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has advised small and medium enterprises (SMEs) owners not to close shop because of the economic hardship in the country.
SMEDAN also advised businesses and interested entrepreneurs to ensure proper planning to ensure success in their efforts.
The agency’s administrative officer in Kwara State, Mrs Adava Ometre, stated this during a lecture at a seminar organised by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara Council on Wednesday.
The programme was part of activities to mark its 2024 annual press week.
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According to her, SMEs in the country should be resilient in the face of the current economic hardship, assuring that they would overcome the situation.
Ometre added that SMEs in Nigeria contributed 46.31% to the country’s GDP and over 6% to its exports.
She said the figures were strong indications that they were doing well despite the current economic challenges.
“SMEs in Nigeria should be resilient, they shouldn’t give up, they should not close up because of the economic hardship they are currently going through; they will overcome it,” she stated.
She advised practising journalists in Nigeria to explore the opportunities in their profession and also own their personal businesses.
“As journalists, one of the ways you can own your business is to have a very strong online presence, maximise online platforms and be creative with what we do to create a niche.
“Consider developing your personal brand, sponsored content and offer paid services’ expertise in areas like media training, writing or social media strategy through paid consultations or workshops,” she submitted.