June 26, 2025 – As part of this year’s International MSME Day 2025, the Katsina State Government has taken another bold step to support small businesses and empower the youth. The Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, announced the launch of the KASEDA Digital Academy and disbursed N50,000 each to 200 local entrepreneurs. The announcement was made today, June 26, at the Government House, Katsina, during a well-attended event that brought together key government officials, traditional rulers, business leaders, development partners, and hundreds of entrepreneurs.
Governor Radda reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to building a thriving business environment in Katsina, with a particular focus on empowering young people and women through various programs, including access to finance and business training.
“When we came into office, we made a firm decision to make Katsina a hub of enterprise and innovation,” the Governor stated. “We know our people are capable. What they need is support, tools, and belief. That is exactly what we are giving them.”
The Governor emphasised that his government has implemented several interventions aimed at promoting small businesses. These include zero-interest loans, capacity-building programs, and infrastructural development, especially in rural areas where entrepreneurs often lack access to such opportunities.
According to him, these efforts have reached communities across all 34 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state. “We initiated programs that brought entrepreneurship closer to the people. From Funtua to Baure, from Jibia to Kafur, we ensured no community was left out,” he explained.
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of the KASEDA Digital Academy, a new technology-driven learning centre designed to equip small business owners with essential digital skills. The Governor described the academy as a “game-changer” that will prepare Katsina’s entrepreneurs for the future by offering training in e-commerce, digital marketing, financial literacy, and business strategy.
“We have the funds—step forward and use them,” the Governor told the youth of Katsina. “The opportunities are here. We are ready to support your business dreams. But you must take that first step.”
The Governor further announced that 200 entrepreneurs selected from the recent MSME Fair and Clinic will each receive N50,000 as business grants to grow their enterprises. He made it clear that this support is more than just a symbolic gesture.
“This isn’t just a thank-you gift. It’s a serious investment to help our small businesses grow and keep our economy moving forward,” Governor Radda said.
The beneficiaries will also undergo a two-day training session covering business sustainability, customer service, and innovation. This, according to the Governor, will enhance their ability to manage and grow their businesses effectively.
Governor Radda called on private investors, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to work together with the state government to remove barriers that often discourage small business growth. He stressed the importance of making Katsina a place where, in his words, “no one is too small to succeed.”
Earlier at the event, Hajiya A’isha Aminu Malumfashi, Director-General of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), represented by Dr. Babangida Ruma, Technical Assistant to the Governor on Enterprise Development, highlighted the agency’s achievements over the past two years.
She revealed that through the Building Your Future initiative, KASEDA has provided over 8,000 MSMEs with access to finance, advisory services, and mentorship. The agency has facilitated N3.4 billion in interest-free loans, conducted the state’s first-ever MSME census identifying more than 600,000 businesses, and mapped over 50,000 roadside enterprises and informal clusters.
In addition, KASEDA trained 3,000 youth mechanics in partnership with the Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association and supported the launch of over 1,000 youth-owned startups through capital and incubation programs.
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The event marks another significant step in Katsina’s efforts to boost youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and economic development in the state.