By Folashade Olorunfemi
In a bid to promote creativity and innovation as key drivers of economic growth in the state, the Edo State Government has launched a two-day “Grants/Support to Entrepreneurs” across the state.
During the grand finale of the event, which held at the Technology Incubation Centre, South-South Zone E in, Benin City, the Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Engr. Jonathan Ukpebor, emphasized the crucial role of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in driving National development.
Citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Engr. Ukpebor revealed that MSMEs contributed not less than 36.6 percent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), accounted for 99.9 percent of employment and generated 26.6 percent of the Country’s exports.
He therefore, urged grant beneficiaries to leverage digital technology, enhance their marketing strategies and pursue additional training to further strengthen their enterprises.
In her remarks, the Assistant Director and Centre Manager of the Technology Incubation Centre, Mrs. Joy Obiefuna, pinpointed the importance of the initiative, noting that the grants would help advance MSME operations and improve productivity across the State. She added that all beneficiaries had their businesses domiciled within Edo State, ensuring that the impact of the programme directly benefits the local economy.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Chief Executive Officer of AI Robotics, Mr. Abdulazeez Ibrahim, expressed gratitude to the state government under the leadership of Senator Monday Okpebholo for enabling their businesses to thrive. He also commended the organizers for their efforts in supporting entrepreneurship and innovation.
The programme was organized by the National Board for Technology Incubation, under the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, and was attended by dignitaries from the Bank of Industry, MSME development programmes, and various trade organizations.
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