The Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) in collaboration with stakeholders in the entrepreneurship landscape, has announced plans to celebrate outstanding entrepreneurs who are successful in their businesses as part of activities to mark its 25th anniversary.
President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the NASME, Abdulrashid Yerima, speaking at a press conference in Lagos recently ahead of the 25th anniversary of the association, said the event will be celebrating Nigerians who have made a remarkable impact in their various fields of entrepreneurship despite the difficult operating environment.
He said that MSME development is of critical importance to productivity in the realisation of the country’s economic emancipation, adding that “no nation can be self-reliant and competitive in the international market without the development of the MSME sectors of the economy.
He disclosed that 84 entrepreneurs that have made intriguing impacts will be honoured with awards as part of the forthcoming 25th Anniversary Lecture and Awards Nights holding at the Ibom ICON Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo on the 12th of November, 2022.
The anniversary themed ‘MSMEs Untapped Catalysts for Nigeria’s Social Economic Development’ will have in attendance Tony Elemelu, Governor Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom State, Maryam Yelwaji Katagum while the Dangote Foundation have been nominated for the Distinguished Impact Award by NASME.
Yerima said that Yemi Osinbajo, vice president as the special guest of honour would confer the awards on the recipients in Uyo. Jean Bakole, the country representative of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) will be the keynote speaker.
He further said that ‘‘Without MSMEs, no nation can enhance the quality of life of its citizenry as well as be self-reliant and competitive in the market. MSME is indeed the most important determinant of socio-economic growth, wealth creation, employment generation and overall improved standard of living.”
Yerima pointed out that NASME is committed to overall socio-economic progress and the development of MSME in order to raise Nigerians’ standard of living.
He stated that following a thorough screening process, the NASME Award Committee, an independent committee made up of eminent Nigerians from various backgrounds, had recommended 84 people and organizations from all economic sectors for the MSME Impact Award to be presented at this year’s NASME Award Night.
Speaking about the difficulties faced by MSMEs in the nation, Gbemi Oduntan, deputy president of South, said the cost of doing business in the nation is rising more quickly due to a number of problems, making Nigerian goods less competitive.
She pointed out that persistent floods, which has been reported in 29 out of the country’s 36 states, and foreign exchange volatility have made things worse for MSMEs.
