By; FUNMI ADERINTO, Kaduna
Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, has flagged-off Kaduna buy and sell and talent showcase, a programme designed to boost human capital development in the state through promoting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
In her remarks at the event, Dr Balarabe said that Nasir el-Rufai-led administration places high premium on human capital development and therefore, many of the programmes in the state have revolved around it.
She said that the government established the Kaduna State Enterprise Development Agency (KADEDA) and Kaduna State Women Empowerment Fund (KADSWEF) to build the capacity of small and medium enterprises and to empower citizens especially women and youths.
The Deputy Governor also pledged the continuous support of the Kaduna State government to MSMEs.
She said that all over the world, MSMEs are known to contribute greatly to the economies of nations.
She reiterated government’s continuous support to small businesses and entrepreneurs to grow through the agency.
In his goodwill message, the Minister, Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo, appreciated the organizers of the event for their initiative, interest and passion in promoting buying and selling.
Mr Adebayo was represented at the event by Special Adviser to Director Trade, Sadiq Bako, who explained that trade is one of the key mandates of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment which is in line with mandate for MSME.
He said, the event is apt, where buying and selling through Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) plays a big role in growing the Nigerian economy.
According to him, SMEs are responsible for driving innovation and competition in many economic sectors of Nigeria economy.
He said it will go a long way in
creation of jobs at relatively low capital cost, especially in the fast-growing service
He said it would also provide a vehicle for reducing income disparities; provide opportunities for developing and adapting to new technological approaches;
“The mandates of the Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment are to create an enabling environment to stimulate domestic investment and attract foreign direct investments into all sectors of the economy;
“To facilitate trade in gods and services and maximize the benefits of international trade through functional bilateral and multilateral trade relations with other countries; to accelerate the growth of industrial sector (MSME).
“While enhancing the productivity to boost the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise as the engine of economic growth to promote Industrialization.”
In her goodwill message, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Shamsuna urged business owners to keenly seek for more opportunities to grow their businesses from a just locally managed business to bigger vision of being national and international supplier chain of their goods.
The minister who was represented by Hajiya Hauwa Yahaya, Special Assistant to the minister, said that services no matter how small and significant it appears, will go a long way in improving the economy
She also congratulated them for the showcase, while praying for successful talent display.
The show holds on November 5 and 6, 2022.
