The Edo State Government, through the Ministry of Business, Trade and Cooperatives has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, (MSMEs) in the State by setting up a Production Hub (Center of Excellence) in every Senatorial District to boost production in areas of competitive advantage.
This was announced by Commissioner Afishetu Braimoh during his presentation on “MSMEs Development: A Vehicle for Achieving Economic Revolution in Edo State” during the ninth webinar in the Talk to the People series. During her presentation, Braimoh took the audience through the steps her ministry had taken to better position MSMEs in Edo State for increased productivity. These steps included trainings in product placement, packaging, and financial management.
“Packaging training was provided to 250 MSMEs, 62 MSMEs received packaging training, and a number of packaging workshops were held.” “. As part of Governor Obaseki’s MEGA Agenda, the Edo State Government is granting access to loans and electricity in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI). We are expanding the Osiomo Power Plant, which currently supplies electricity to all public buildings and street lights.
“The Benin Enterprise Park recently opened, and an industrial park is being constructed on Sapele Road near the seaport for export, where MSMEs will be given space according to clusters and have 24-hour power.” A seven-member committee was established by the Ministry to investigate the creation of a grassroots MSMEs program. Their report will assist in resolving MSMEs’ concerns, which will be presented to Governor Obaseki.”
The State Government of Edo collaborates with federal agencies, particularly regulatory bodies such as the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), among others, to revitalize MSMEs.
One of the recipients, Mr. Aneru Ezuagbe, Managing Director, Amina Foods, expressed gratitude to Governor Obaseki for designating Hon. Afishetu Braimoh, stating that their product’s availability in stores in Miami, USA, was made possible by her skill and assistance.
In addition to thanking his colleague for a job well done on the most recent webinar, Commissioner for Youth and Gender Issues Andrew Emwanta assured the forum that the series will continue after he was deployed from the Ministry of Communication and Orientation.
