The Townhall and sensitization event was in respect of the N200 billion Presidential Intervention Fund, and was attended by citizens from across the State.

“This event is aimed at sensitizing and mobilizing target beneficiaries of the N200 billion Presidential Intervention Fund with a view to eliciting their maximum participation. The Intervention Fund comprises the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme and a loan scheme for MSMEs and Manufacturing enterprises in Nigeria,” the Governor said.

“This Massive Presidential Initiative is the clearest evidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR is a listening leader. He has heard the cries of Nigerians running small businesses and manufacturing Enterprises and has taken urgent steps to address their challenges. These stimulus packages will not only reinvigorate small businesses and manufacturing Enterprises, but they will also impact positively on sub- national economies and the Nigerian economy in general.”

“MSMEs are the backbone of our economy, significantly contributing to job creation, innovation, and economic resilience. They drive local economies and provide livelihoods for millions of Nigerians. This is why on assumption of office in May 2023, Governor Uba Sani’s administration committed itself to creating an enabling environment for businesses to flourish, fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem where MSMEs and manufacturing enterprises can grow, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the economy of Kaduna state in particular.”

“The Kaduna State Enterprise Development Agency (KADEDA) provides business development services to MSMES through the facilitation of access to finance and markets. It focuses on capacity building, business grants, mentorship. and networking. Its main goal is to empower individuals to establish sustainable businesses and improve their quality of life, particularly women and youth.”

“Permit me to take a few minutes to highlight the efforts that the Governor Uba Sani Administration has made and is making towards strengthening MSMEs and making Kaduna State the Nation’s leading premier destination for investment and economic activities. This administration has made significant strides in the following critical areas:Through the Kaduna State Enterprise Development Agency (KADEDA), the State Government has been giving support to MSMEs in different ways, including through grants and subsidies.”

“Establishment of Skills cities in each of the Senatorial Zones of the state to ramp up capacity building and development of 21st Century relevant skills that will not only contribute to the GDP of the state, but also equip the MSMEs with earning possibilities.

Construction of Rural roads. This is a strategic policy of the Government to give our MSMEs access to markets. thereby facilitating trade and easing the movement of goods and services from rural to urban areas.”

“Also significant is the partnership with Afrexim Bank to develop the African Quality Assurance Centre (AQAC). This facility, equipped with advanced technology and staffed by skilled professionals, will provide essential quality assessment, testing, certification, and inspection services for agricultural and other products. The AQAC is a game-changer that will enhance product integrity and advance Kaduna’s export readiness to meet global standards.”

“There is no doubt that the success of these initiatives will require the collaborative efforts of everyone seated in this room and beyond. We must reach out across to every stakeholder and join hands to promote the efforts being talked about here today. Government alone cannot do it. Private sector actors, religious organizations, organized labor, civil society and more need to partner to achieve the project’s intended objectives.”

“This Presidential Intervention Fund couldn’t have come at a better time. We believe it will go a long way in supporting the efforts that the state Government is making to promote an enabling business environment for MSMEs to thrive and stimulate an eco-system where visions, dreams and innovative ideas will be harnessed and utilized for the benefit of all.”

“I therefore encourage all stakeholders to share this knowledge within your networks. The more we inform our communities about this fund, the more we empower our entrepreneurs to take action. To members of the Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Association of Nigeria Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT), National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS), and Market Traders Association of Nigeria, I urge you to:Take full advantage of the opportunity provided by the N200 Billion Presidential Intervention Fund.”

“Make efforts to fully understand the processes and procedures for accessing the Intervention Fund. Ensure you utilize the funds wisely, channeling them towards productive ventures, and leverage resources to grow businesses and create employment opportunities.”

“I have a piece of advice for the Administrators of this Presidential Intervention Fund. Please do not fail Mr. President. He launched this intervention fund with the sole purpose of cushioning the effect of our economic challenges on small businesses and manufacturing enterprises. He wants to tackle poverty headlong. Administrators of the Fund must therefore take the following seriously and spell them out in clear terms: Transparency

 Accountability. Fair interest rates.  Clear repayment terms.”

“Thank you for your attention. I wish you God’s guidance and protection as you set out to sensitize and mobilize our people to avail themselves of the opportunity provided by this business enhancing and life changing Presidential Intervention Fund. Together, we can unlock the potential of this fund and drive meaningful economic transformation,” he said.