Over 60,000 small business owners and entrepreneurs have submitted entries for the upcoming National MSME Award, highlighting their achievements and innovations in various sectors. The award, designed to recognize and support outstanding small businesses, has drawn widespread interest across the country.
The Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, confirmed the overwhelming response in a statement on Monday. The government had earlier announced plans to reward resilient and innovative entrepreneurs with significant prizes, including houses, cars, and shops, as part of efforts to promote the growth of small businesses.
The application portal for the 2025 edition of the award opened on March 7, following a press conference by the Awards Committee. A new category for persons living with disabilities was introduced to ensure inclusivity and recognize their contributions to the business landscape.
According to Adekunle-Johnson, agricultural enterprises have recorded the highest number of submissions so far, followed closely by businesses in the Information and Digital Technology sector. The large turnout of applicants reflects the enthusiasm among small business owners to showcase their work and gain recognition at the national level.
With the April 7 deadline fast approaching, the government is urging more entrepreneurs to take advantage of the opportunity. The award is expected to highlight businesses that have demonstrated resilience, innovation, and significant contributions to economic growth.
Beyond the competition, the initiative aligns with broader efforts to foster a thriving MSME sector, which remains a critical driver of job creation and economic development. By rewarding excellence, the government aims to encourage small business owners to scale their enterprises and contribute to national progress.
Entrepreneurs eager to participate still have time to submit their entries before the portal closes. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
