Entrepreneurs have urged players in the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as the Federal Government to pay more attention to the sector as part of measures to address gaps in the nation’s economy.
The stakeholders, who gathered at the 2019 edition of Glocalisation and Branding Summit, stressed the need to positively impact lives of Nigerians with the MSMEs sector.
Among them are: Tola Johnson, special adviser to the vice president on MSMEs; Tara Fela-Durotoye, chief executive officer, House of Tara; Kemi Areola, CEO, Vivacity PR and convener of the programme; Debola Williams, CEO of RED Media, and Yomi Sax, a leading Nigerian saxophonist.
Areola said the event gathered no fewer than 1000 forward-thinking individuals, empowering them with innovative, problem- solving skills, business opportunities and mentorship programmes.
She said it provided an avenue for attendees to interact, network, share business ideas and passions as well as leverage on the services of government agencies through MSME Clinics initiative.
Private companies in attendance included: Bank of Industry, SMEDAN, Corporate Affairs Commission, Nexim Bank, Bank of Agriculture, Keystone Bank, Access Bank and MTN.
She stressed the need to bridge the gap between SMEs and government plans for the sector, urging players in the sector to ensure that they utilise several opportunities provided by government agencies to support and contribute to the growth and success of all Nigerian MSMEs.
Dayo Adeneye, who has been in business for a number of decades, spoke about his journey from his living room to the grammy’s and the transition to politics and philanthropy.
He said, “Nigeria belongs to you and me. if we do not fix it by ourselves, who will fix for us?”
Johnson said the Federal Governments’ MSME clinics initiative would create an enabling environment for small businesses to prosper towards creating jobs, wealth and eradicating poverty in this country. He stressed that government would intensify its intervention in small businesses through access to finance.
Fela-Durotoye, a role model for female entrepreneurs, who was present at the event, shared her success story as well as the secrets to expansion, urging the government to address challenges limiting the potential of the sector.
IFEOMA OKEKE
