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Obiano receives Presidential Award on MSME, Assures of Greater Support to MSME
The governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has assured that his administration would continue to lend more support to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in the state.
Speaking at the state Executive Council meeting in Awka on Monday while receiving the plaque awarded to Anambra State for emerging as the best state that supports MSME by the Presidency at the weekend, governor Obiano said that the award would spur him to do more in the support of MSMEs in the state.
According to him, his administration had perfected arrangements to access the N3.5bn MSME facility from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) that would be ploughed into the funding of MSMEs in the state.
Governor Obiano explained that Anambra had over 2000 cooperatives covering agriculture, manufacturing, trade and commerce and services, declaring “it is my intention to support them more. We are getting about N3.5bn from the Central Bank, probably in the next few weeks that we are also going to use to support the people in this area; particularly for the growth of Efi Igbo, Ewu Igbo, Okuko and other farmers that are pioneering things in this area. It will go a long way in assisting the attainment of food sufficiency that we talked about.”
Anambra had edged out Lagos, Abia and Kaduna states to emerge as the Best State in Support of MSMEs in Nigeria.
Anambra’s impressive achievements in MSME came from Obiano’s foresight in establishing an agency known as the Anambra Small Business Agency (ASBA) which has been directly involved in the financing of the entrepreneurial dreams of so many businessmen and women in the state.
Since its inception in 2015, ASBA has provided over N2.5 Billion in single digit funds to Microenterprises and SMEs in the State, funding over 10,000 businesses and creating over 70,000 direct and indirect jobs in the process, empowering youths to become burgeoning entrepreneurs as well as sustaining established SMEs in the State.
Available facts indicate that in the period under review, Anambra State Government had disbursed the sum of N1.2bn to MSMEs in the state through ASBA.
Industrialization and manufacturing took the lion’s share of the disbursements with 49.69% while Agricultural value chain came second with 20.89%. Trade and Commerce took 11.42% while Oil and gas came next with 7.75%.
The records further show that the Agency also innovatively financed the US$2.2 Million (about N800 Million) Shoe & Leather Products Industrial Cluster in Nkwelle Ezunaka via its “Enabling Local Cluster Development Scheme”.
These shoe makers had through this intervention, collectively reaped huge financial benefits, creating trading linkages with buyers across sub-Saharan Africa and significantly limiting the influence of middle men. The shoe makers also generated impressive revenues as at year end 2018 for the state.
Riding on the back of the success of the shoe making cluster, ASBA has commenced the construction of a similar industrial cluster for Textile and Garments artisans which should be completed by December 2019.
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Widows, Wives and More than 2,000 Residents of Ikeja Police Barracks Benefit from YP4T’s Initiative
More than 2,000 individuals from the Ikeja Police Barracks community benefited from an impactful outreach program spearheaded by Young Professionals for Tinubu (YP4T), an advocacy and support group working in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The initiative provided critical medical services, care packages, food supplies, and financial assistance to widows, wives, and vulnerable residents, demonstrating the heart of nation-building through community-centered support.
The program, which united healthcare professionals, community organizers, and volunteers, complemented the government’s broader efforts to bring essential services closer to the people.
Residents of the Ikeja Police Barracks received free medical consultations, blood pressure and diabetes screenings, and wellness advice. Widows and families also left with care packages filled with food items, toiletries, and financial support to help alleviate the pressures of the holiday season.
Dr. Love V. Tinuoye, CEO of Medvita Consultancy and the lead doctor on-site, reflected on the impact:
“This initiative reflects a collective commitment to advancing healthcare in Nigeria. We were able to screen for and address critical health issues such as hypertension and diabetes while also providing preventive care like vaccinations and cancer screenings. This is what true community-focused care looks like.”
Beyond medical services, the outreach distributed care packages containing food staples, toiletries, and financial support, designed to alleviate the challenges faced by vulnerable members of the police barracks community.
The event highlights the ongoing efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda to provide inclusive support for Nigerians across the country. Initiatives like this not only extend access to essential services but also strengthen the fabric of communities.
Mrs. Jumoke Elom, a businesswoman and beneficiary, shared her gratitude:
“I am deeply grateful for this program. The care my family received today—both medical and material—has given us hope and reminded us that we are not alone. It shows that there is real support for families like mine.”
The outreach program was also a platform for demonstrating the principles of nation-building through collaborative action. Alex Oware, Security Expert and Director of YP4T, explained the motivation behind the initiative: “The Renewed Hope Agenda is about about bringing real transformation to communities. This initiative embodies that vision by supporting over 2,000 people—not just through tangible resources, but by reaffirming their place in the collective growth of our nation. It lies at the soul of Renewed Hope: fostering resilience and creating opportunities for all Nigerians.”
The outreach program extended beyond healthcare, providing food and financial support to families within the police barracks. A touching moment involved a widow who, after receiving her care package, expressed her gratitude with tears of joy. Her story is just one of many that reflect the transformative power of collective action.
This initiative by YP4T—an advocacy and support group of Nigerian professionals from across the globe—represents a continued commitment to driving grassroots impact, inspired by President Tinubu’s vision. The success of the Ikeja outreach program demonstrates the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors to deliver meaningful change across Nigeria.
News
Matawalle Salutes Nigerian Military, Citizens at Christmas
… Calls for Love and Peaceful Coexistence
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Mohammad Matawalle, has extended warm greetings to the Nigerian military and all citizens, both Christians and non-Christians, during this joyous Christmas season.
In his message, he emphasized the importance of embodying the spirit of love and peaceful coexistence, urging all Nigerians to reflect on these values not only during the festive period but throughout the year.
“This season serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring principles of peace, unity, love, and sacrifice that bind us as a nation,” he stated.
The Minister encouraged every Nigerian, regardless of their religious beliefs, to celebrate and honor President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as well as the brave men and women of the Armed Forces who tirelessly demonstrate their patriotism in safeguarding the safety and sovereignty of our beloved country.
Highlighting the significance of the yuletide season, he noted that it should reinforce our bonds of unity, foster a spirit of camaraderie, and inspire compassion towards one another. He called on all citizens to remain steadfast in their collective efforts to build a secure and prosperous Nigeria.
In conclusion, the Minister wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Henshaw Ogubike, MNIPR, FCAI, FSCA, FCPE
Director of Information, Press and Public Relations
…Says no government has shown so much support to LGs, State Governments like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu….
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammad Matawalle, has expressed confidence that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR will significantly enhance the economies of Zamfara State and Nigeria as a whole.
Matawalle who is currently on a five-day visit to his home state, the Minister and former Governor of Zamfara commended President Tinubu for his unprecedented support for Local Government Councils and state governments. “No previous administration has demonstrated such a strong commitment to developing local councils and states as President Tinubu,” Matawalle remarked.
He highlighted the President’s role as a grassroots mobilizer, emphasizing his passion for local development. “President Tinubu has allocated substantial funds to states and local government councils, enabling them to undertake impactful development projects,” he added.
Matawalle urged party supporters to collaborate with their leaders to reclaim the lost mandate from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State. “It is essential for all APC members to remain law-abiding citizens,” he stated, reinforcing the party’s commitment to uphold the law.
Addressing a large gathering of supporters who welcomed him, Matawalle reassured them of the federal government’s ongoing efforts to combat banditry and terrorism in the region. “With the federal government’s initiatives to address security challenges, we will soon experience a renewed sense of safety and peace,” he emphasized.
He concluded his address by urging the community to continue supporting the government at all levels. “Together, we can restore peace and order in our country,” Matawalle affirmed.
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