Abakaliki, Nigeria – The Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) is seeking increased support to its Ebonyi state chapter to record remarkable successes in economic development.
Mr Abdulrashid Yerima, National President of NASME, made this known on Saturday, during the official Inauguration and Products Exhibition of NASME Ebonyi chapter in Abakaliki
Yerima, also Chairman of the Governing Council of NASME, stated that the advocacy for support will involve access to market, finance, and improved capacity on how their business would build businesses.
He described NASME as an umbrella body for all micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.
According to him, the association promotes the empowerment of MSMEs in the country as a means of achieving sustainable employment generation, economic growth, and development.
He noted that the group would be of great benefit to the Ebonyi state because entrepreneurs would be engaged in mentorship programmes, both nationally and internationally.
“It is on record that MSMEs all over the world constitute about 90 per cent of businesses,” Yerima said.
He advised the newly-elected executives of the association to have a common goal, shared vision, and ensured unity to achieve success.
He further applauded the state governor, Mr Francis Nwifuru, for the enabling environment given to businesses to thrive in the state.
In his remarks, Gov Nwifuru, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Commerce and Business Development, Mr Oguzor Offia-Nwali, called on leaders of the association to carry their members along.
The Chief Executive Officer of Cutix Cable PLC, Mrs Ijeoma Oduonye, who is also the Deputy President, South, of NASME, expressed satisfaction over commitments of NASME in the state and urged it to create awareness on natural mineral deposits to attract required investors.
Oduonye encouraged the association to maintain the quality of its locally-made products and remain competitive.
Mr Joseph Erishi, Chairman of NASME, Ebonyi, described the state as the next industrial hub in the country.
Erishi stated that the association had been contributing towards the industrialisation of the state.
He called on the state government to provide MSMEs funds with single-digit interest, workshop and training, and mobility, among others, to assist the group.
“We are poised to play our role objectively for the development of MSMEs and humanity in the state,” Erishi noted.
Mr Leonard Uguru, the state Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, while commending the newly-elected executives, also charged them to show more commitment and to work together with members to succeed.
Mrs Geogina Uguru, a Participant, expressed satisfaction towards the inauguration, adding that it would spur members to contribute more to the state economy.
“We need to be keyed into activities of the state government.”
Mrs Fidelia Nwude, another participant called for more state government support to encourage the association and promote patronage of locally-made products.
The event featured the exhibition of various handmade products by the participants who are members.
