A'IBOM ECONOMIC BOSS UNFOLDS PLANS TO BOOST SMEs SECTOR OF THE STATE

Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Deep Seaport, Mr. Akan Okon, has unfolded plans by the State Government to boost the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector of the state.

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Mr. Okon made the disclosure during a courtesy visit by the National Union of Micro, Small and Medium Scale Entrepreneurs of Nigeria (NUMSMER), in his office today Wednesday, 24th February 2021.

The Commissioner in a warm reception, welcomed members of the Association to his office. He emphasized the importance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to economic growth and employment generation.

In his address, the Economic helmsman reiterated the commitment of the state government, through the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel, to revamp the MSME sector of the economy.

The Economic Boss said, as a result of the effect of Covid-19 on SMEs, government came up with a program to stimulate activities in the SMEs sector, know as, Nigeria Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (Ncares) program.

In line with the completion agenda of the governor, Mr. Okon informed the Association about the training which will take place next week for enumerators, whose duty will be to collate data from all the local government areas of the state, which will help to ascertain SMEs. This he said, is to ensure that this sector of the economy do not suffer setback.

The training program and enumeration exercise is in partnership with the Federal Government and the State Government through the Bank of Industry.

He maintained that as a Ministry they are ready and willing to work in partnership with the Association on ways of strengthening SMEs, in order to boost the economic sector of the state.

Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Effiong Ekpenyong, expressed his deep appreciation to the Association for the visit. He urged them to contribute their best by keying into the vision of MSEs recovery in the state.

The Group State Chairman (NUMSMER) Comrade Anthony Akpanobong, who spoke on behalf of the Association, said collectively as entrepreneurs their efforts is to put together available human and material resources and promote creativity for sustainable socio-economic development in Akwa Ibom State and by extension Nigeria through entrepreneurial endeavours.

Other members of the Association: Prof.George Akpakpan, Mrs Diamond Udi and the Director of Media and Publicity, Comrade Paulinus Nta, spoke in support of the Group's mission which is to align with the industrialization agenda of the state government.

The Group requested for an official bus, partnership program, among other needs, which will aid in the smooth running of the Association.

In attendance where other executive members of the Association.


Information Unit
MED& Ibom Deep Seaport