Jan. 9, 2024

The Federal Government is set to establish a world-class fashion hub in Makurdi, Benue State in the next 90 days.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, disclosed this at the inauguration of the Expanded National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Clinics in Makurdi, tagged; “Benue Open for Business”.

Shettima said the ultra modern fashion hub would be furnished with all modern equipment.

“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed, has unveiled the plan to establish a world-class fashion hub in Makurdi for use by small businesses in the tailoring cluster in the state.

“This hub will be ready in 90 days. We are glad that the pioneering spirit of Benue State has set the stage for a transformative MSME Clinic train,” he said.

He said the project was not just a fulfillment of Tinubu’s promise of job creation and accessible capital to Nigerians, but also a homage to the unparalleled spirit of industriousness that defined the people of Benue State.

According to the vice president, Benue is a land known for its commitment to hard work, excellence in art, pursuit of creativity, elevation of agriculture, and promotion of commerce.

“These stand as a testament to the remarkable productivity engraved within the core of Benue State.

“The reputation earned by the diligent efforts of every person in this food basket of the nation, is a beacon of inspiration for us all, and I am honoured to join you today.

“There is a reason we are holding this expanded National MSME Clinics, the first of its kind by this administration in this beautiful state.

“It is to recognise the role Benue State has played in offering the nation a means of trade, and a vehicle for driving the MSME subsector towards our objective,” Shettima said.

According to the vice president, the clinics will stand as a symbol of empowerment, a nexus where dreams would meet opportunities, where innovation thrives, and where the spirit of entrepreneurship is nurtured by strategic governance.

He said Nigerians must seize this moment to forge a path of prosperity, to leverage on the resources at the country’s disposal, to create a thriving ecosystem for the growth and success of its micro, small, and medium enterprises.

“Every business owner, whether in Makurdi or Oturkpo, Gboko or Katsina Ala, must consider themselves a priority of this government. The extended National MSME Clinics aim to unite regulatory bodies in the MSME sub-sector with MSMEs and investors across small business clusters.

“They are also here to offer solutions to critical barriers hindering the growth of these enterprises in Nigeria. Today I am joined by heads of esteemed agencies, all valuable partners in our commitment to job creation and supporting MSMEs.

“Furthermore, we’ve engaged the full support of the private sector and numerous other entities in this endeavour. These clinics are turning points in our quest to guarantee the ease of doing business,” he explained.

The Vice President said the Federal Government, towards this end, had set aside N75 billion, nine per cent single-digit loan from BOI (Bank of Industry).

“Mr. President is committed to resolving the bottlenecks affecting the MSME space in Nigeria, and will persist until these issues are resolved.”(NAN)