Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State is championing MSME growth by providing over 300 Micro and Small Enterprises (MSMEs) with essential business tools. This initiative, conducted in collaboration with the World Bank through Kogi Enterprise Development Agency (KEDA), demonstrates the state’s commitment to enhancing business performance and viability.
The beneficiaries, meticulously selected from a pool of 60,000 registrations, received a range of crucial items such as laptops, desktops, tablets, internet devices, POS machines, projectors, printers, android phones, and other ICT-enhancing devices. Hajiya Rekiya Onaiovo, Managing Director of KEDA, emphasized the significance of these tools, highlighting how they can facilitate connectivity and enable businesses to thrive, regardless of location or circumstances.
The distribution falls under the Kogi Cares Result Area 3, specifically the Delivery Linkage Indicator (DLI) 3.3, originally conceived as a response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 lockdown. Beneficiaries have committed to responsibly use the provided tools as part of the agreement.
Governor Bello, represented by Dr. Folashade Arike Ayoade, Secretary to the State Government, reiterated the administration’s dedication to creating a conducive environment for small business owners. The distributed ICT tools are seen as catalysts for improving businesses, driving economic progress, and reducing poverty in the state.
Furthermore, the initiative is not merely a political gesture but a genuine effort to empower small businesses. KEDA assures an equitable distribution of tools across all 21 local government areas in the state. The agency, under Governor Yahaya Bello’s leadership, is committed to broadening the scope to encompass more beneficiaries in future programs.
For beneficiaries under KG Cares DLI 3.3, cash won’t be provided, but a scale-up grant is in the pipeline for those who demonstrate outstanding performance after evaluation by the World Bank. This underscores the focus on results and excellence in business operations.
Mr. Ali Yakubu Umar, CEO of Kakanda TV Prime Production and one of the beneficiaries commended the transparency of the process. He expressed gratitude for the equipment, recognizing its potential to enhance efficiency and service delivery in his business. This initiative not only equips MSMEs but also signifies the state’s unwavering support for their growth and success.
