Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, says plans are in place to establish a private-sector focused agency to be known as Ogun State Enterprise Development Agency, that will develop sustainable Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, to aid business growth and enhance competitiveness.
Abiodun, during a two-day public-private discussion on its creation in Abeokuta, the state capital revealed the agreement between the government and the German Agency for Development to establish the agency before the end of the year.
The Governor represented by the Chief Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo added that work was ongoing to enact a law establishing OGSEDA, to make it operate sustainably, and to further build on the successes recorded through the Executive order he signed in 2019 for the establishment of the agency.
Abiodun explained that the main focus of the agency would be in four areas which include, business advisory on bankable feasibility, business mentorship and others, capacity building and outreach, facilitating access to finance and policy advocacy.
He said, “OGSEDA, when established will help in repositioning the MSMEs sub-sector to contribute towards an all-round socio-economic development of the State, by improving the standard of living of the citizens through job and wealth creation, increase the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and boost the State’s revenue.”
Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe, stated that OGSEDA would aid the growth of MSMEs through capacity building, position MSMEs to access funds, provide market linkages and encourage more people to start their businesses.
In his contribution, the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Industry, Trade and Investment, Hon. Shola Adams affirmed that the House of Assembly would expedite action on the passage of the OGSEDA Bill into Law, as well as ensure that members of the public were allowed to air their views on the Bill.
In his remarks, State Co-ordinator, GIZ, Mr Stephen Dada said Ogun State was on course towards the establishment of the best Enterprise Development Agency in the country and would run sustainably in line with best practices adding that a consultant who was hired by the GIZ had been working tirelessly to execute the successful implementation of the OGSEDA.
