The Katsina State Government has marked this year’s International MSME Day with a major show of support for small businesses and youth empowerment. At a gathering held at the Government House on June 26, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda launched the KASEDA Digital Academy and announced the disbursement of N50,000 each to 200 local entrepreneurs.
The event drew a large crowd, including traditional leaders, business stakeholders, development partners, and hundreds of entrepreneurs from across the state.
Speaking at the event, Governor Radda reiterated his administration’s goal of making Katsina a centre of enterprise and innovation, with targeted support for young people and women. He highlighted initiatives such as zero-interest loans, business training, and infrastructure development, which have reached all 34 local government areas.
“We know our people are capable. What they need is support, tools, and belief. That is exactly what we are giving them,” he said.
A key highlight was the unveiling of the KASEDA Digital Academy — a new training centre set up to equip small business owners with digital skills. The academy will offer courses in e-commerce, digital marketing, financial literacy, and business strategy. Describing the centre as a “game-changer,” the Governor urged the youth to seize the opportunity.
“We have the funds—step forward and use them,” he said, encouraging young entrepreneurs to take ownership of their business journeys.
The 200 selected entrepreneurs, drawn from a recent MSME Fair and Clinic, will receive N50,000 each in grants. The Governor stressed that the funds are meant to scale their businesses, not as a handout but as a deliberate investment in the state’s economic future. Beneficiaries will also take part in a two-day business development training focusing on sustainability, customer service, and innovation.
Governor Radda called on the private sector, investors, and financial institutions to work alongside the government in removing obstacles to small business growth. He emphasised his administration’s commitment to making Katsina a place “where no one is too small to succeed.”
Also speaking at the event, the Director-General of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), represented by Dr. Babangida Ruma, shared updates on the agency’s achievements. Over the last two years, KASEDA’s Building Your Future initiative has supported over 8,000 MSMEs with funding, mentorship, and advisory services.
KASEDA has facilitated N3.4 billion in interest-free loans, completed the state’s first MSME census with over 600,000 businesses identified, and mapped more than 50,000 roadside and informal enterprises. The agency also partnered with the Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association to train 3,000 youth mechanics and helped launch over 1,000 youth-led startups.
This latest initiative reaffirms Katsina State’s growing momentum in promoting entrepreneurship, digital skills, and economic inclusion for its youth and smallbusiness community.
