Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has emphasized that the nation’s economy cannot record significant growth without the active development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Speaking on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, in Akure, the Vice President addressed participants at the 7th edition of the Expanded National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Clinic, tagged Ondo 2025, held at the International Culture and Event Centre, The Dome.

Shettima, who attended the event as the Special Guest of Honour, described MSMEs as the bedrock of Nigeria’s economic growth, pointing out that they account for the majority of jobs and play a critical role in poverty reduction and inclusive development.

“MSMEs account for 90 percent of jobs in this country. They are key to poverty alleviation and national prosperity. The growth of our economy must go hand in hand with the growth of small businesses,” he stated.

He revealed that 65 MSMEs from Ondo State have already accessed funding from the Federal Government’s N75 billion intervention fund. According to him, the Sunshine State is vital to Nigeria’s socio-economic advancement, and the intervention fund was designed to provide affordable financing for entrepreneurs.

“This fund is designed to provide affordable financing for entrepreneurs. We must ensure that this support is not a one-way gesture. I call on all partner agencies to continue working hand-in-hand with MSMEs to deliver lasting impact,” the Vice President added.

Highlighting strategic economic revival plans under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Shettima announced a major agricultural initiative. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given a clear directive that we should plant 100 million oil palm trees across the country. We’re also going to revive the cocoa industry,” he said.

He also commended the Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for his infrastructure projects and commitment to supporting small and medium-scale enterprises. “Let me commend the Governor of Ondo State for his visible commitment to development. What I’ve seen here today is very impressive,” the Vice President said.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, in his address, described the MSME Clinic as a transformative platform aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential through targeted support for small businesses. He reaffirmed that MSMEs remain the backbone of the nation’s economy and stressed that his administration’s OUR EASE agenda aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Governor celebrated the achievements of Ondo-based MSMEs that have gained national recognition. These include Denki Wire and Cables Ltd and Kay Classic Fashion, winners of the National MSME Awards for Excellence in Manufacturing and Fashion, respectively.

He further outlined the state’s ongoing support for small businesses, which includes interest-free loans disbursed through the Ondo State Micro-Credit Agency amounting to over N220 million in 2024, access to the Bank of Industry’s N75 billion intervention programme, the “One Youth One Skill” initiative, and the establishment of the Odatiwa Skills Development Enterprise Centres. The OSDEC includes the first mini shared facility in the state’s history.

Governor Aiyedatiwa appealed to the Vice President for federal assistance in establishing a Fashion Hub Shared Facility in Ondo State and an Oil Palm Processing Plant to enhance the productivity of the state’s oil palm farmers.

Also addressing the gathering, Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, praised the MSME Clinic as a strategic measure to build human capacity and promote small business growth. He encouraged increased patronage of locally made goods, noting that productivity is the foundation of national development.

In his goodwill message, the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, commended the empowerment of young entrepreneurs and urged stronger patronage of Nigerian-made products, alongside enhanced collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Mr. Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, provided an overview of the clinic’s nationwide impact, noting that direct access to regulators has improved efficiency and performance for small business operators.

Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olayide Adelami, in his welcome address, thanked Vice President Shettima for his presence, affirming that the Aiyedatiwa administration has implemented policies to empower businesses and boost the state’s economy.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Empowerment and Job Creation, Orioye Gbayisemore, highlighted that the government has supported small business owners whose work contributes significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth.

He added that over ten thousand youths have been empowered through innovative programmes and initiatives, describing Ondo State youths as hardworking, creative, and entrepreneurial.

Earlier in the day, Vice President Shettima visited the Ondo State Council of Obas Secretariat, where he met with traditional rulers and sought their continued support for the policies and reform agenda of the Tinubu administration ahead of the 2027 elections.

The First Lady of Niger State and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Her Excellency Hajiya Fatima Mohammed Bago, on Monday received the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, in Niger State for an official visit and the formal flag-off of the Women Economic Empowerment Programme.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Wife of the Governor of Niger State, Hadiza Abdullahi Maikano, the event, held at the Government House in Minna, featured the disbursement of Small Business Recapitalization Grants to 500 women in Niger State. The initiative is being implemented under the Renewed Hope Initiative in partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation.

In her address, Hajiya Fatima Mohammed Bago expressed deep appreciation for Senator Tinubu’s visit and praised her commitment to advancing women’s economic opportunities nationwide.

“Your Excellency, the Renewed Hope Initiative under your leadership is restoring dignity and creating real, measurable impact in the lives of Nigerian women. This programme is a bold step that speaks to your vision, one that places women at the heart of economic growth and community development,” she said.

She added that in Niger State, even small investments in women often lead to significant community benefits, including sustained families, educated children, and improved livelihoods. The grant, she noted, is a sign of trust in the ability of women to transform their environment.

Hajiya Fatima Bago also commended the partnership between the Renewed Hope Initiative and the Tony Elumelu Foundation as a strategic collaboration that reflects the importance of public-private cooperation in driving inclusive growth across Africa.

She further acknowledged the support of her husband, His Excellency the Farmer Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago, for prioritizing initiatives that benefit women and children.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in her remarks, thanked the Tony Elumelu Foundation for its ₦1 billion donation, which is empowering 18,500 women across Nigeria, including the 500 beneficiaries in Niger State who are receiving ₦50,000 each. She stressed that the programme is a non-refundable grant and not a loan, designed to support economically disadvantaged women and small-scale entrepreneurs.

She also extended her gratitude to Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago and the First Lady of Niger State for their strong alignment with the mission of the Renewed Hope Initiative. In a symbolic presentation, Senator Tinubu personally handed ₦50,000 to selected beneficiaries, urging them to invest the money wisely and serve as examples of resilience and progress.

Additionally, Senator Tinubu presented a ₦1 billion cheque along with relief materials to aid victims of floods, banditry, boat mishaps, and fire disasters in Niger State. The cheque was formally received by Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago in the presence of top officials, dignitaries, and community leaders.

The high-profile event was attended by the Wife of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mrs. Salamatu Gbajabiamila; Wives of State Governors; Wives of Service Chiefs; Wives of Ministers; and other distinguished personalities.

Following the empowerment programme, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, accompanied by Hajiya Fatima Mohammed Bago, paid courtesy visits to former Nigerian Presidents General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd) and General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) at their Hilltop mansions in Minna.

Hon. David Ogada Ogewu, the Honourable Member representing Oju/Obi Federal Constituency, has urged the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) to work closely with Benue State to promote youth empowerment through technical skills acquisition and vocational training.

He made this appeal on 5 August 2025 during a courtesy visit to the Director-General of NADDC, Mr. Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, at the Council’s headquarters in Abuja.

Hon. Ogewu commended the NADDC for its impactful training initiatives aimed at equipping young Nigerians with practical skills that can foster self-reliance and reduce unemployment. He praised the leadership of the DG for steering such a vital programme, which he said aligns with the nation’s current development priorities.

“This initiative is beyond just obtaining a certificate; it is about empowering our youth with innovative, hands-on skills that make them economically productive. In my federal constituency and indeed across Benue State many young people are roaming the streets despite having immense potential. We also have a large number of artisans and mechatronic technicians who need structured training to become fully self-reliant,” he stated.

The lawmaker said the proposed synergy is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on restoring hope among Nigerian youth through meaningful engagement and opportunities. He called for the inclusion of Benue State in NADDC’s upcoming training programmes, especially as he prepares to launch his own youth empowerment scheme during the New Yam Festival in September, a period when communities come together for celebration and development activities.

“I want this training to reach as many youths in my constituency as possible. If we can partner to make it happen by September, it will be a great milestone. Beyond my constituency, I’m also advocating for the entire state, so that together, we can reduce crime and give our young people a pathway to independence,” he said.

In his response, Mr. Osanipin commended Hon. Ogewu’s dedication to youth empowerment and assured him that NADDC is ready to collaborate. He explained that several training programmes are already planned and that steps are being taken to include Benue State in the schedule.

“We have different categories of training, including motorcycle and tricycle maintenance, especially now that TVS and Bajaj are manufacturing CNG-powered tricycles locally. It’s important that we train people on how to service and maintain them,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of mechatronics training, noting that research links many road accidents to preventable vehicle faults. “Vehicles have evolved from purely mechanical systems to complex electrical and electronic systems. Our technicians must evolve too, and that’s why we are pushing training in this area,” he explained.

The NADDC boss further stated that the Council offers training on heavy-duty vehicle maintenance, including retrofitting vehicles from petrol or diesel engines to run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). “We’ll assess the needs and identify which training is most feasible for Benue in the short term, and then work closely with your team to implement it, possibly by September,” he added.

The proposed collaboration is expected to create a structured pathway for skills development that could be replicated across the country.

August 5, 2025 – Federal Ministry of Education TVET trainee applications are currently under review. However, there is no official information from programme yet. The Technical and Vocational Education and Training, TVET, initiative has two separate categories, which applicants are urged not to confuse.

The current approval and accreditation process is only for TVET trainers or artisans mentoring trainees. These trainers will receive N30,000 per student. The trainers’ application portal is at www.digitalnbte.nbte.gov.ng.

There is also the TVET programme for trainees, who will be paid N22,500 per month. The official website for this category is www.tvet.education.gov.ng.

The federal government recently approved a N45,000 monthly grant For Technical College students, which will be paid through NELFUND. Take note that that was announced for Technical College students, and not TVET trainees.

For those who applied as trainees under the Federal Ministry of Education, the review process is reportedly ongoing and the trainee portal, although presently inaccessible, does not give full access.

Successful applicants will receive notification messages with the details of their assigned training centers soon.

Applicants are advised to monitor their dashboards for any changes. In cases where the dashboard shows No Application Found or experiences slow loading, this is normal as the review process is ongoing. The ministry urged, “Do not panic. Continue to check regularly for updates.”