By Umar Sa’id, Baúchi
Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed of Bauchi state has once again pledged the readiness of his administration towards providing the necessary resources for the growth and development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the state.
He made the pledge after receiving the 2024 most SME governor award at the 2024 National MSME Conference held yesterday where he described MSMEs as the backbone of the economy.
Represented by his Deputy, Hon. Mohammed Auwal Jatau, the Governor expressed gratitude to SMEDAN for finding him worthy of the SME award and said that “this recognition is not just a testament to my administration’s commitment SME development, but a reflection of the collective efforts of all stakeholders dedicated to the growth and development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs),”
He said his administration has implemented several initiatives aimed at supporting entrepreneurs with giving them functional accessible funding programs, streamlined processes for business registrations and essential training and capacity-building workshops to achieve the desired results.
Governor Bala Mohammed said the state government has prioritised infrastructure development, ensuring that “our roads, markets, and facilities meet the needs of our business community. By investing in infrastructure, we are not just enhancing accessibility but also fostering a climate of trust and reliability that is essential for any business to flourish,”
“I am honoured to accept this prestigious award on behalf of the Government and the good people of Bauchi State. MSMEs are the backbone of our economy. They drive innovation, create jobs, and foster inclusive growth. In Bauchi State, we understand that empowering our MSMEs is not just a policy goal but a moral imperative. Over the past few years, we have focused on creating an enabling environment for these enterprises to thrive.
“We are proud of our partnerships with local and international organizations that have further bolstered our efforts. As we move forward, let us strengthen our collaboration and harness our collective potential. Together, we can build a thriving ecosystem that not only uplifts our state but also contributes significantly to our nation’s economic development”, he added.
The Governor then reiterated the unwavering commitment of his administration towards investing in MSMEs with the establishment of a more robust support system that will facilitate growth and innovation to address the challenges faced by entrepreneurs.
The SMEDAN Director General, Mr Charles Odili said the award acknowledges the positive impact of Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration towards the development and growth of micro, small and medium enterprises.