Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji has commended the Federal Government for its continued support for small businesses through the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Clinics initiative, describing it as a landmark move that aligns growth with genuine grassoots development across the country.
Governor Oyebanji, who gave the commendation on Tuesday while speaking at the 7th Expanded National MSME Clinics in Akure, Ondo State Capital, described the initiative as a practical intervention by the Federal Government designed to bridge the gap between economic policies and grassroots empowerment.
Stressing the positive impact the program has had across the states, particularly in promoting economic growth at the grassroots level, the Governor said the initiative reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s understanding of the role MSME play in job creation, poverty reduction, and industrialization.
While commending the Office of the Vice President for sustaining the MSME Clinics, Governor Oyebanji said it is the first attempt by any government to deliberately align growth with development.
He expressed optimism that the initiative would have a far-reaching impact on the Nigerian economy by unlocking the potential of small businesses and empowering local entrepreneurs, adding that his government remains fully committed to creating a business-friendly environment and supporting MSMEs.
“Your Excellency, I am going to start on the note of appreciation to the Federal Government for this initiative. Last year we were in Ekiti State and since that day it has not remained thesame and I know that Ondo State also will experience same.
“Without mincing words, this is the first attempt by any government to align growth with development. Most of the time in this country what we use to have are good micro economic indices, GDP that speaks to growth without development but since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came on board with MSME Clinics, there has being deliberate attempt to align growth with development and we are extremely thankful to the Federal Government”. Governor Oyebanji asserted.
In his address, the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shetima who explained that the initiative was part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s small business sector, noted that the Federal Government is deliberately investing in the MSME space because of its capacity to generate jobs, reduce poverty, and contribute significantly to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.
Emphasizing that the clinics were designed to take government agencies closer to the people, eliminate bottlenecks in business registration and regulation, and provide real-time support to entrepreneur, Vice President Shettima said the goal is to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of location has access to the tools and opportunities needed to build and grow sustainable business
While commending the Ondo State government for hosting the 7th edition of the MSME Clinics, the Vice President charged the participants to take advantage of the initiative to grow and develop their busniess.
Also in his address, Ondo State Goveror, Dr. Lucky Ayadatiwa, who described the MSME Clinics as a timely intervention that aligns with the state’s efforts to promote entrepreneurship and sustainable growth, noted that small businesses remain the heartbeat of the country and any initiative aimed at supporting them deserves commendation and active participation from all stakeholders.
While expressing his delight that Ondo State was chosen to host the 7th edition of the Expanded MSME Clinics, Governor Aiyedatiwa said it is a clear demonstration of the federal government inclusive approach to governance.
He assured the participants that his government is committed to removing barriers to business growth through improved infrastructure, policy reforms, and access to credit facilities.
