The Kogi State Government has taken a bold step toward strengthening the capacity of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by organizing a one-day intensive training session focused on Access to Finance and Business Growth Strategies. The programme, designed to equip local entrepreneurs with practical tools for expansion and sustainability, culminated in the disbursement of grants ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦2 million to successful participants.
The empowerment initiative reflects the state’s growing emphasis on enterprise development as a vehicle for economic recovery and long-term growth. According to the Commissioner for Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning, the intervention is part of a broader strategy to unlock economic opportunities, encourage local production, and support job creation through entrepreneurship.
“This effort is part of our broader agenda to strengthen entrepreneurship, support small businesses, and build a more resilient and prosperous economy across the state,” the Commissioner said. He commended the state’s Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his continued backing of enterprise-friendly policies and for creating a supportive environment where businesses can thrive.
Addressing beneficiaries at the event, the Commissioner urged them to make productive use of the funds by scaling their operations, embracing innovation, and expanding their workforce. “We expect to see these businesses grow, create employment, and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economy. These grants are not handouts—they are investments in Kogi’s future,” he emphasized.
The empowerment event also witnessed the participation of key members of the state executive council, including the Commissioners for Education and Commerce. Their presence underscored the administration’s collaborative and multi-sectoral approach to development, with education, trade, and finance working hand-in-hand to build a thriving economic base.
Hon. Wemi Jones, the Commissioner for Education, highlighted the role of entrepreneurial literacy in unlocking opportunities, especially for youth and graduates entering a competitive job market. Similarly, the Commerce Commissioner, Hon. Muhammed Muktar Shuaibu, stressed the importance of supporting local producers to stimulate internal markets and reduce dependency on imports.
The programme adds to a growing list of empowerment schemes in Kogi State targeting grassroots enterprise and inclusive development. As the state pushes for more economic self-reliance, such initiatives signal a commitment to ensuring that MSMEs are not only recognized but supported as key drivers of economic transformation.
“Together, we are building a Kogi where no one is left behind,” the Finance Commissioner concluded, reiterating the government’s resolve to close the gap between ambition and access for small business owners across the state.
