Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed that Nigeria’s economic growth and poverty reduction goals cannot be achieved without the rapid development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which he described as the backbone of the nation’s economy.
Speaking at the 7th Expanded National MSME Clinic (Ondo 2025) held at the International Culture and Event Centre, Akure, Shettima noted that MSMEs account for 90% of jobs in Nigeria and are central to achieving inclusive growth.
He revealed that 65 Ondo-based MSMEs have already benefited from the Federal Government’s ₦75 billion intervention fund, designed to provide affordable financing to entrepreneurs.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa hailed the clinic as a “revolutionary step” toward unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential, highlighting his administration’s OUR EASE Agenda in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He called for federal support to establish a Fashion Hub Shared Facility and an Oil Palm Processing Plant in the state.
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji stressed the importance of patronising locally made goods, while the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, urged stronger public-private partnerships to empower young entrepreneurs.
The MSME Clinic recognised several Ondo-based businesses, including Denki Wire and Cables Ltd and Kay Classic Fashion, winners of the National MSME Awards for Excellence in Manufacturing and Fashion, respectively.
