Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, yesterday inaugurated the first ever Expanded National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Clinic in Benue State.
Speaking while performing the ceremony at the IBB Square in Makurdi, Shettima noted that the MSME clinic, an initiative of the federal government would serve as a veritable tool to access the efforts of entrepreneurs and improve on their products for export purposes.
He also said that the first of its kind initiative was in line with President Bola Tinubu administration’s commitment to support the growth of the MSME and drive business development in the country.
The vice president added that the MSME clinic remains a symbol of empowerment that must be used to forge a path of prosperity, stressing the need for every business owner across Benue State to consider himself a priority of the Tinubu’s government.
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Shettima further announced plans by the Tinubu-led administration to establish a world-class fashion hub in Makurdi, which would be ready in 90 days.
“We currently have in place a N75 billion 9% single-digit loan from BOI. Additionally, Access Bank has made N50 billion of their fund available to MSMEs at a discounted rate of 15%, which could significantly increase based on loan performance.
“Mr President has unveiled the plan to establish a world-class fashion hub in Makurdi for use by small businesses in the tailoring cluster in the state. This hub will be ready in 90 days. We are glad that the pioneering spirit of Benue State has set the stage for a transformative MSME Clinic train.
“Following this trailblazing journey, the MSME Clinic train is scheduled to traverse Ebonyi, Ogun, Delta, Kaduna, Borno, Katsina, and the FCT in a meticulously planned itinerary for the first half of the year. The crescendo of this monumental effort will culminate in the National MSME Awards set to grace the FCT on the 27th of June 2024, a fitting celebration to commemorate the United Nations World MSME Day,” Shettima said.
Earlier, Governor Hyacinth Alia, thanked the federal government for opening Benue up for business, adding that the local entrepreneurs already displayed packaged organic products of several local foods such as turmeric, small rabbits among others.
“The Made in Benue brand has successfully showcased the talent of our local entrepreneurs. We are committed to enforcing a fair playing ground for every business,” he said.
Alia however pointed out challenges militating against business development in the state to include insecurity, absence of regulatory framework for small businesses and lack of access to credit facilities among others.
