By Rafiyat Sadiq
President Bola Tinubu has said Nigerians have no reason to be poor, pledging renewed support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to drive economic growth.
Speaking at the 8th Expanded National MSME Clinic in Calabar on Wednesday, Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the country’s human and natural resources remain untapped.
He noted that Cross River State has fertile land capable of producing almost every crop, adding that the federal government plans to plant 100 million oil palm trees nationwide, with the state in a position to lead the initiative.
“Upon assuming office, we guaranteed access to capital and pledged to support ventures that would redefine the future of work, skills, and industry,” he said.
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He commended the Cross River government for establishing a modern communication and technology hub for MSMEs, describing it as a move that aligns with global digital trends.
According to him, the facility will give entrepreneurs affordable access to high-speed internet, equipment, and collaborative spaces to innovate and connect with markets.
“The digital world has space for the market woman in Ikom, the furniture maker in Calabar, and the fashion designer in Ogoja, Ugep, or Odukpani,” he said. “Our commitment is not just to give loans or grants but to build an ecosystem that supports infrastructure and enhances creativity.”
Governor Bassey Otu said the clinic was a joint initiative between the state and the federal government to boost entrepreneurship and expand the economy.
He disclosed that the state, through the Micro Finance and Enterprise Development Agency, had trained more than 3,500 entrepreneurs in various fields.
Otu said MSMEs have the potential to raise living standards if fully developed and pledged Cross River’s commitment to the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Also speaking, the Head of the Bank of Industry’s Cross River office, Pius Neji, described the bank as a long-term partner of entrepreneurs.
He said the BOI had disbursed about N260 million to MSMEs in the state, particularly in rural areas, and stressed that the state’s industrialisation could contribute significantly to Nigeria’s growth.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
