Vice President Kashim Shettima has commissioned the remodeled Katsina Industrial Development Centre (IDC), Common Facility Centre, and the flag-off of the first Katsina MSME Clinic and Fair in the State.

This was on Wednesday when he called on other states to emulate Katsina’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) initiatives model aimed at tackling unemployment, and insecurity, and promoting progress for the citizens.

Shettima, represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff Hassan Hadeja lauded Governor Dikko Radda’s focus on data-driven decision-making for MSME development, mirroring the approach taken at the federal level.

He commended the Bank of Industry (BOI) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) for partnering with the state in its MSME development drive, emphasising the significance of MSMEs, which he said, is accounting for 96% of Nigerian businesses, 84% of the workforce, and nearly half of the GDP.

Shettima while acknowledging the crucial role of MSMEs in job creation, value addition to agriculture, and overall economic development, highlighted the Federal Government’s efforts to support MSMEs, including dedicated funding initiatives through partner banks and the appointment of a Senior Special Assistant on job creation and MSMEs.

In his goodwill message, the Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) Charles Odii commended Katsina State for following a framework similar to SMEDAN’s business processing and sourcing model.

He observed that the upgraded IDC in the state has the potential to accommodate over 500 SMEs trained in business processing and sourcing, adding that the center housed a call centre with a capacity for over 500 representatives.

The SMEDAN chief commended Governor Radda for the establishment of 136 business development service providers saddled with the responsibility of providing crucial guidance to entrepreneurs across the state.

'Platform For Enhancing Skills’

Earlier in his address, Governor Radda highlighted the critical role MSMEs play in job creation, poverty reduction, and economic diversification.

He urged youths in the state to embrace entrepreneurship and take optimal advantage of the platform to learn, collaborate, and innovate to create a prosperous future for Katsina State and its residents.

Governor Radda said that the Katsina SME Clinics and Fair is a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase products, network, and explore business opportunities.

He stated that the clinic aims to address challenges faced by entrepreneurs by providing training and workshops on financial management, marketing, and technology adoption.

According to him, the clinic also provides regulatory support, counseling, and mentorship opportunities.

He added that “the centre has now been equipped with modern tools and machinery that are often beyond the financial reach of individual artisans.

“This will enable them to produce higher quality products more efficiently and compete effectively in the market. The centre will provide a platform for enhancing skills and knowledge by training and learning new techniques, and staying updated with industry trends.

“Also based on the report of our cluster mapping, we intend to extend such common facility to the remaining two senatorial districts of the state as soon as possible,” Radda said.

He further announced the establishment of an annual fair at the centre, to be complemented by an annual MSMEs Award Dinner to celebrate achievements in the sector.

'Where Dreams Are Nurtured’

On her part, the Director General of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA) Aisha Malumfashi revealed that the event signifies the beginning of a new era of opportunity, innovation, and growth for local businesses and entrepreneurs in the state.

She explained that the facility is designed to be a hub where ideas are transformed into tangible products, where entrepreneurs can access modern machinery, and where small businesses can thrive through shared resources and expertise.

“This centre is a strategic investment in the future of our MSMEs. It is a place where dreams are nurtured, skills are honed, and the entrepreneurial spirit is ignited,” she added.

The remodeled IDC, a public-private partnership between the Katsina State Government and SMEDAN, is equipped with modern tools and machinery to enhance productivity and product quality.

The upgraded facilities include renovated workshops for a conducive working environment, state-of-the-art computer labs a call centre for digital skills training and customer support, and an uninterrupted power supply through a 30KVA hybrid inverter system.

Others are upgraded sanitation facilities and a 1.7km improved road access.

Culled from Channels TV