The largest Ultra-Modern MSME Fashion Hub in Nigeria was inaugurated by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday in Enugu State.

This comes at the same time that the Federal Government authorised the distribution of N150,000 grants to an unspecified number of state company owners.

According to Shettima, President Bola Tinubu is dedicated to establishing a business climate that offers chances and incentives to turn MSMEs into resilient, powerful businesses.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by Mr Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communication, with the subject line, “Once more, FG awards N150,000 grants to business owners.”

Nkwocha said that the expanded national MSME clinics are one of the Federal Government’s strategies to make doing business in Nigeria easier. The first, second, third, and fourth editions of the business fora, which are organised nationwide to offer immediate solutions to problems facing MSMEs, were launched earlier this year in Benue, Ogun, Ekiti, and Jigawa States, respectively.

The Vice President said during the event that Tinubu’s dedication to supporting MSMEs and promoting national economic growth is demonstrated by the N150,000 award, which is given forthright with no conditions attached.

Honourable ladies and gentlemen, I’m happy to inform that His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, has ordered that the best-exhibiting MSMEs at today’s event get grants of N150,000 apiece.

Please be assured that there is no repayment obligation associated with this grant, which demonstrates the VP’s dedication to supporting MSMEs and promoting economic expansion.

Shettima said she was happy with the rate at which the FG is promoting the MSMEs in the country and that this proves that “there is no thriving economy without robust small businesses.”

He applauded the Tinubu administration’s policy decisions, stating that they are founded on an understanding and anticipation of the challenges endangering the country’s economic survival.

According to the vice president, Nigeria cannot develop as a country until its business community in all states and regions is fully utilised to its full potential.

We can only accomplish this by working together to pursue a common goal from Abia to Zamfara.

In Nigeria, small enterprises make up 96% of all firms and generate over 45% of the country’s GDP. This means, as I’m sure you appreciate, that Nigeria would not exist without you,” he said.

Shettima went on to say that the 5th Expanded MSME Clinic is a venue for direct interaction with business support organisations, financial institutions, and regulatory agencies like NAFDAC, BOI, CAC, SON, NEPC, and SMEDAN. This allows MSMEs to discuss their unique problems with these agencies immediately and receive prompt resolutions.

The Vice President inaugurated the state-of-the-art Fashion and Garment Hub for MSMEs, established by the FG in partnership with the Enugu State government, earlier upon his arrival.

He also made time to check on the status of construction at the Enugu Command and Control Centre, the Government House Digital Museum, and the state government’s ongoing work at the Enugu International Conference Centre.

Speaking about the Enugu Fashion Hub, he stated that the business centre, like other hubs built around the nation, is a step towards the intended economic peak. He also expressed the belief that the hub, which is the largest to be commissioned in Nigeria to date, will meet international standards and generate roughly 48,000 jobs.

In addition to being among the biggest that we have ever put into service, he went on, “it is outfitted with state-of-the-art technology to support the fashion manufacturing cluster in Enugu State, increasing production capacity and enabling economies of scale.”

In addition to surpassing international standards, this hub has the capacity to produce a broad range of fashion goods, including school and corporate attire as well as military uniforms, potentially producing 48,000 jobs.

“We expect the federal and state governments to exercise diligent oversight over the hub, which will be operated by a capable private sector organisation. It is our aim that this facility would transform training and business, not only in Enugu State but throughout Nigeria.

Shettima expressed gratitude to Governor Peter Mbah of the state for his assistance in seeing that the hub was established, and stated that the federal government is eager to work with Coal City State to transform the Enugu Fashion Hub into a hub for both productivity and tourism.

Earlier in his speech, Mbah expressed gratitude to the FG for its steadfast support of the Enugu State government and people, which has resulted in significant projects and initiatives that have an impact on people’s lives and means of subsistence.

The Governor claims that Shettima’s visit to Enugu to inaugurate the clinics and open the state’s cutting-edge hub for fashion and apparel has validated his standing as the state’s defender of small companies and his unwavering dedication to the expansion of the industry.

Dr. Mbah listed a few advantages that small businesses will experience by taking part in the Clinics and stated that the program is in line with the state government’s economic goals for the industry.

Given the potential for job creation, improving living standards, and overall economic transformation, the governor stated that there is a compelling need to expand MSMEs in size and capability. The newly opened fashion and garment hub will also inspire young people in Enugu to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, promised in his speech that the parliament will back initiatives headed by the executive branch.

He emphasised that leadership is essentially about connecting with the people and paying attention to the issues they face, and he particularly commended Shettima for her empathy towards the less fortunate.

Additionally, Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, praised the Vice President’s office for their efforts in establishing the favourable conditions necessary for small enterprises to prosper through the Clinics. Nnaji underlined the value of entrepreneurship training.

He declared that a nationwide training program for shoemakers will soon begin, emphasising that acquiring new skills is essential to reducing the state’s unemployment rate.

The Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ossai, a few members of the National Assembly, Jennifer Adighije, the Managing Director of Niger Delta Holding Company, and representatives of MSME Clinic partners were also in attendance.