By Ayodele Oni
Ondo State Government has sought to assistance of the federal government for the establishment of an Oil Palm Processing Plant to assist Farmers.
The state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa explained that the request became imperative as the State presently has one of the largest palm plantation in the South-West region, stressing that “a Plant of this magnitude will greatly enhance our productivity and efficiency.”
The Governor spoke on Tuesday in Akure
at the 7th Expanded National MSME Clinic, a platform designed to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across all sectors in Nigeria.
Aiyedatiwa also wanted the assistance to be extended to setting up of a fashion hub shared facility for Ondo State to create more jobs and grow the fashion industry in the State.
At the ceremony attended by the vice president, Kashim Shettima, the governor said that the MSME clinic was capable of turning around the Nigeria’s economy.
“Today, we gather with a singular focus, which is to revolutionise the engine of our economy. We recognise the immense potential that lies within our MSMEs and we are committed to increasing this potential to drive growth, innovation and prosperity.
“It is suffice to say that the MSMEs are the backbone of our economy, contributing significantly to GDP, employment, and innovation. A Clinic of this nature is therefore essential to serve as a one-stop-shop for regulatory agencies, enabling MSMEs to address challenges and access timely interventions.
” It also provides an easy platform for our MSMEs to access funding, skills development, infrastructure, markets, and technology; facilitating MSMEs’ growth and development through regulatory support and capacity-building.
On efforts of Ondo state to key into the programme, Aiyedatiwa announced that “we have made significant efforts to secure funding for our MSMEs through partnerships with key financial institutions.
“Notably, we have keyed into the Federal Government initiative of the Bank of Industry N75 billion MSME intervention programme, providing our entrepreneurs with affordable financing options in the face of current economic realities.
“Our MSMEs have also benefited from the Entrepreneurial Training Programme for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises by the Development Bank of Nigeria, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge to grow their businesses beyond the shores of the country.
“We have also implemented initiatives to provide grants and support for skills development through our One Youth One Skill initiative that has birthed the Odatiwa Skills Development Enterprise Centres (OSDEC).
“The first mini shared facility in the history of Ondo State. So also under the Ondo State Micro-Credit Agency (ODSMA), we have been granting interest-free loans to artisans, traders and other small business owners.
“Last year, ODSMA disbursed over N220million to artisans and traders across the State.
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