Katsina State Enterprises Development Agency (KASEDA) has launched the Nano Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (nMSMEs) Project in the state.
The unveiling ceremony also marked the graduation of 217 young entrepreneurs.
The event, which was presided over by the state governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, symbolized the domestication of the national policy on nMSMEs, making it a first of its kind in the country.
Speaking at the unveiling and graduation ceremony held at Bello Kofar Bai Conference Hall in Katsina, Governor Radda declared that Katsina is the first state in Nigeria to domesticate the National Policy on Nano Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (nMSMEs).
He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to economic growth, stating, “Katsina state is the first in the country to domesticate the National Policy on MSMEs and develop our own MSME policy. This policy will, God willing, be a catalyst for sustainable economic growth and job creation.”
Governor Radda also instructed quarterly reviews of the implementation plan by the MSME council and KASEDA, with progress reports to be submitted directly to his office.
Congratulating the graduates of the six-week intensive training programme, the Governor highlighted the skills they acquired, including web development, social media and email marketing, and entrepreneurial development. He urged them to use their newly acquired skills to contribute meaningfully to society.
In a similar vein, the Governor recognized the joint efforts of KASEDA, LEAPWORLD, and the Center for Enterprises Training and Policy Initiative (CETAPI) in executing the successful programme. He emphasized that “collaboration is the key to achieving sustainable growth” and called on development partners, stakeholders, and business leaders to continue supporting such initiatives.
On her part, the Director General of KASEDA, Hajiya A’isha Aminu Malumfashi, shared the agency’s achievements, stating, “Within one year of existence, the agency has been able to organize capacity building for pioneer staff, launch the Dikko Business Development Service (BDS) Corps, conduct training for BDS Corps Identification, and undertake a needs assessment of businesses with growth potential.”
She added, “We undertook study tours of similar agencies in Lagos and Abuja to adopt global best practices; we are currently training three youths at the Social Innovation Academy in Uganda, and we established a 5 billion Naira MSMEs Revolving Matching and Managed Fund in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI).”
Hajiya A’isha further explained that the Employability Project is designed to equip youth with the tools and confidence to pursue their dreams and contribute to the state’s economic development. She concluded by expressing gratitude for the visionary leadership of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda.
The event was attended by government officials, corporate organizations, seasoned entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders from within and outside Katsina State.
Notable attendees included: Director General of the Nigeria Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Ayo Omotayo; Guest Speaker, Kuru Jos; Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Transportation, Daura, Prof. Umar Adam Katsayal mni; CEO of LEAPWORLD; former Director General of SMEDAN; and CEO of CETAPI, Dr. Wale Fasanya