Ogun State Government is currently working on implementing capacity building programmes to help businesses thrive as well as enable entrepreneurs access single-digit loans.
Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela disclosed this in Abeokuta during the Stakeholder’s Engagement on ‘Business Enabling Environment and MSMEs Support in Ogun State, organised by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).
Sofela said the Abiodun-led administration has been deliberate at creating enabling environment for businesses to start and grow, adding that the capacity programmes would further help boost the growth of businesses.
“It is important to note that in the course of this year, there will also be engagement in terms of capacity building and business clinics where we will be offering not just business but financial advisory which will help businesses have access to market, finance, developing skills and competencies for us to be able to access single digit loans from Development Partners like SMEDAN and others,” the Commissioner revealed.
He added that the government had been working on Independent Power Projects (IPP) to meet the energy needs of businesses as well as working on developing an Industrial Park specifically for small scale businesses.
He urged entrepreneurs to complement government efforts by being deliberate and disciplined in managing their businesses and follow sustainable business practices as well as seek beneficial information which could help their businesses.
Also speaking, Head of Component, Policy and Strategy, GIZ (Ogun State), Mr. Akinropo Omoware, who focused on “Building Resilience –Addressing Growing Business Constraints for MSMEs in Nigeria” said there was need for collaboration between government and the private sector, adding that electricity, digitisation, access to finance among others were germane to business growth.
Omoware commended the energy and Industrial Cluster projects, saying it would help reduce the cost of production and make businesses more competitive especially in view of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement which would commence soon.
Earlier, Team Lead, GIZ-SEDIN, Gopa Worldwide Consultants, Mr. Peik Bruhns, spoke on the Inspire, Create, Start and Scale (ICSS) Entrepreneurship Development Programme, said the ICSS was a modular development programme which would help improve the capacity of established and aspiring entrepreneurs to run their businesses sustainably and achieve desired growth.
In their remarks, President, Ogun Women Shea Butter Cooperative, Mrs. Adeola Adeleke and President, Cobblers and Leather Artisans Association Ogun State, Comrade Ibrahim Kushimo, called for timely implementation of identified solutions.
