Usman Ali Lawan, CEO of USAIFA Agro-Allied Ltd has emerged winner of the National Business Plan Competition (NBPC) held in Abuja yesterday.
Six hundred companies submitted business plans for the competition with eleven companies emerging finalist. USAIFO Agro_Allied Ltd beat 10 other finalist to represent Nigeria in the March 24 Annual Investment Meeting in Dubai.
“I pray that when we are in Dubai, we will be able to bring the $50,000 price home. We are in the agricultural sector. We provide financial support, farm extension support and link to rural farmers. We are currently working with 5500 rural farmers, in Niger, Nasarawa and Borno states” he said.
The Chief Judge at the Business Plan competition, Dr Joe Abah said he was impressed with the Business Plan pitches by the participants as they were innovative and environment friendly.
The Managing Director of the Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA), Arabi Muhammed Tukur, said competition is designed to give participants the opportunity to bring their ideas and concepts into actualization and become more skilled in writing, analyzing and implementing business plans.
He urged the entrepreneurs to be innovative, creative and lead with integrity.
Country Manager for Nigeria of the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM), Mairo M.T Usman said she is hoping the representative of Nigeria at the AIM will bring the $50,000 prize home.
The Director General of SMEDAN, Dr Umaru Dikko Radde, said the agency will sustain development of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and the finalist will be captured in the agencies database/market place.
