Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has assured Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to eradicating poverty in the country.
The Governor urged those responsible for reaching out to the poor on behalf of the Federal Government to act sincerely and diligently.
Speaking at a town hall meeting on the Presidential Grants and Loans Scheme for MSMEs, organized by the Federal Government in collaboration with the Bank of Industry in Kaduna on Tuesday, Uba highlighted that this significant presidential initiative demonstrates that the President is a compassionate, attentive leader who is committed to supporting small and medium-sized businesses and helping them thrive.
The town hall and sensitization event focused on the N200 billion Presidential Intervention Fund and was attended by citizens from across the state.
Represented by Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed, Special Adviser to the Governor on Economic Matters, the governor stated: “This event aims to sensitize and mobilize target beneficiaries of the N200 billion Presidential Intervention Fund to encourage their active participation.
The fund includes the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme and a loan scheme for MSMEs and manufacturing enterprises in Nigeria.
“This substantial initiative is clear evidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is a listening leader. He has responded to the concerns of Nigerians running small businesses and manufacturing enterprises and has taken urgent steps to address their challenges. These stimulus packages will not only revitalize small businesses and manufacturing enterprises but will also positively impact sub-national economies and the Nigerian economy as a whole. MSMEs are the backbone of our economy, significantly contributing to job creation, innovation, and economic resilience. They drive local economies and provide livelihoods for millions of Nigerians.”
He further explained that the Kaduna State Enterprise Development Agency (KADEDA) provides business development services to MSMEs by facilitating access to finance and markets, with a focus on capacity building, business grants, mentorship, and networking. Its main goal is to empower individuals to establish sustainable businesses and improve their quality of life, particularly for women and youth.
He added that the construction of rural roads is a strategic policy of the government to give MSMEs access to markets, thereby facilitating trade and easing the movement of goods and services between rural and urban areas.
He noted: “Also significant is the partnership with Afrexim Bank to develop the African Quality Assurance Centre (AQAC). This facility, equipped with advanced technology and staffed by skilled professionals, will provide essential quality assessment, testing, certification, and inspection services for agricultural and other products. The AQAC is a game-changer that will enhance product integrity and advance Kaduna’s export readiness to meet global standards.”
Governor Uba stressed that the success of these initiatives requires collaborative efforts from all stakeholders, saying, “We must reach out across every stakeholder and join hands to promote the efforts being discussed here today. Government alone cannot do it.”
He emphasized that the Presidential Intervention Fund is timely, adding, “We believe it will go a long way in supporting the state government’s efforts to promote an enabling business environment for MSMEs to thrive and foster an ecosystem where visions, dreams, and innovative ideas can be harnessed for the benefit of all.”
He encouraged all stakeholders to share this information within their networks, stating, “The more we inform our communities about this fund, the more we empower our entrepreneurs to take action. To members of the Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Association of Nigeria Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT), National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS), and Market Traders Association of Nigeria, I urge you to take full advantage of the opportunity provided by the N200 Billion Presidential Intervention Fund.
“Make an effort to fully understand the processes and procedures for accessing the fund. Ensure that you utilize the funds wisely, channeling them towards productive ventures, and leverage resources to grow businesses and create employment opportunities.”
He also offered advice to the Administrators of the Presidential Intervention Fund, urging them, “Please do not fail Mr. President. This fund was launched with the purpose of easing the economic challenges facing small businesses and manufacturing enterprises. The President is committed to tackling poverty directly. “Administrators of the Fund must prioritize transparency, accountability, fair interest rates, and clear repayment terms.”