President Bola Tinubu has said Nigerians have no reason to be poor, reaffirming his administration’s dedication to fostering the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.
Speaking at the 8th Expanded National MSME Clinic in Calabar on Wednesday, Tinubu represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima highlighted Nigeria’s vast human and natural resources, describing them as key drivers of national prosperity.
The president noted that Cross River State, with its fertile land, has the capacity to cultivate almost every crop.
He disclosed that the Federal Government plans to plant 100 million oil palm trees, with Cross River positioned to play a leading role.
“Cross River has an advantage,” he said.
Tinubu explained that since assuming office, his government has worked to guarantee access to capital and pledged support for ventures that would redefine the future of work, skills, and industry.
He praised the Cross River State Government for setting up a state-of-the-art communication and technology hub for MSMEs, describing it as aligned with global digital trends.
“The hub will give MSMEs affordable access to high-speed internet, modern equipment, and a collaborative space to learn and innovate.
The digital world is a window to diverse markets — it has space for the market woman in Ikom, the furniture maker in Calabar, and the fashion designer in Ogoja, Ugep, or Odukpani,” he said.
According to Tinubu, his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda is aimed at creating an environment where MSMEs not only survive but thrive.
“Our commitment is not just to give loans or grants, but to build an ecosystem that provides infrastructure and enhances the creativity of entrepreneurs,” he added.
In his remarks, Governor Bassey Otu described the 8th MSME Clinic as a special-purpose initiative between Cross River State and the Federal Government, aimed at strengthening the entrepreneurial spirit of the people and boosting the state’s economy.
Otu revealed that through the Micro Finance and Enterprise Development Agency, the state had trained more than 3,500 entrepreneurs in various aspects of business development.
He emphasised that the benefits of MSMEs are far-reaching and capable of raising living standards if fully harnessed.
The governor commended the president for his foresight and pledged the state government’s full support for the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Also speaking, Mr Pius Neji, Head of the Bank of Industry (BOI) in Cross River, described the bank as a committed partner to entrepreneurs.
He noted that the BOI had disbursed about ₦260 million to MSMEs in the state, particularly targeting rural businesses.
“Cross River is a good place for our entrepreneurs, and the state has what it takes to make Nigeria greater. The industrialisation of Cross River can take Nigeria to the next level,” Neji said.