The Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has received an outstanding award for his support of Micro, Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in the state.
The award was presented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, at the World MSME Day event in Abuja on Thursday.
“I am deeply honored to receive this award, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Benue State Government in supporting our local entrepreneurs,” Governor Alia said, receiving the award. “Our administration remains committed to creating an enabling environment for MSEs to thrive, as they are the backbone of our state’s economy.”
Vice-President Kashim Shettima, represented by Sen. Hadejia, assured that the President Bola Tinubu administration is committed to the prosperity of MSMEs in the country. “MSMEs are the backbone of not only the Nigerian or African economy but of the global economy,” he said. “They account for 90 percent of all businesses worldwide and employ over 60 percent of the global workforce.”
Shettima noted that MSMEs in Nigeria account for 96 percent of all businesses, contribute 45 percent to the economy, and provide employment for 80 percent of the workforce. He emphasized the need for collective action to support MSMEs, saying, ” Failure to do so would mean that we have gathered here for nothing and wasted another opportunity.”
Mr. Tola Adekunle-Johnson, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, reiterated the government’s determination to ensure MSMEs access single-digit loans easily. He thanked WEMA Bank for partnering with the President Tinubu administration to expand opportunities in the MSME space.
The award recognises Governor Alia’s efforts in supporting MSMEs through various initiatives and policies aimed at empowering local businesses, creating jobs, and driving economic progress in Benue State.