Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has affirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains steadfast in his commitment to eradicating poverty across Nigeria.
Speaking at a town hall meeting and awareness event for the N200 billion Presidential Intervention Fund and Loan Scheme for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SSMEs) in Kaduna, Sani highlighted the President’s focus on economic empowerment for Nigerians.
The event was organized in partnership with the Bank of Industry to support MSMEs nationwide.
Governor Sani, represented by his Special Adviser on Economic Matters, Ibrahim Muhammad, emphasized that the intervention fund includes the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme and various loan options aimed at strengthening local businesses.
“This massive presidential initiative is proof that President Tinubu is a listening leader,” he stated, underscoring the administration’s dedication to creating economic opportunities for Nigerians through small business support.
The governor highlighted the fund’s potential to revitalize businesses, saying, “Through these stimulus packages, small businesses and manufacturing enterprises will be revitalized, significantly benefiting both sub-national economies and Nigeria as a whole.”
He further praised the timing of the initiative, describing it as a welcome addition to Kaduna’s ongoing efforts to enhance job creation and foster entrepreneurship within the state.
Stressing the critical role of MSMEs in Nigeria’s economy, Sani pointed out that they are essential for job creation, innovation, and resilience.
He reiterated Kaduna State’s commitment to building a supportive environment for local enterprises, urging stakeholders to promote awareness about the fund to maximize its benefits for residents.
Mrs. Caroline Bala, one of the grant beneficiaries, shared her experience at the event, expressing her gratitude for the financial aid. After losing her job, she was able to launch a thriving soya milk business, earning between 10,000 and 15,000 Naira daily.
“This grant has been a life-changing opportunity,” Bala remarked, calling on the government to sustain the initiative to reach more deserving citizens.
Another beneficiary, Mr. Albert Ibrahim, spoke on how he used the grant to purchase herbicides for his farm, which resulted in a bumper harvest. Ibrahim encouraged others to take advantage of the scheme for economic stability and growth.
Similarly, Summayya Ibrahim thanked the government for its support, adding that she hopes for continued assistance to help aspiring entrepreneurs reach broader markets.
Mrs. Joy Oghiadomhe of the Bank of Industry provided further insights into the eligibility requirements for the grants and loans, noting that MSMEs are crucial to addressing the nation’s economic challenges.
