The National President of the Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Dr. Abdulrashid Yerima, has called on the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru in Ebonyi State to fully utilize the state’s abundant solid mineral resources to benefit the people and boost economic growth. Dr. Yerima made this appeal during the inauguration of the new Executive Members of NASME’s Ebonyi State chapter in Abakaliki.
Highlighting the economic potential of Ebonyi, Yerima emphasized the importance of increasing the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and positioning it to compete with the wealthiest states in Nigeria. He assured Governor Nwifuru of NASME’s readiness to partner with his administration for mutual benefits.
The NASME President lauded Governor Nwifuru for his support of small business owners, particularly his approval of the bill that established the Ebonyi State Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (EBSMEDA) and his various empowerment programs aimed at encouraging young entrepreneurs. Yerima stressed that the state’s solid mineral resources, including limestone, lead, zinc, granite, and coal, among others, if properly harnessed, could significantly enhance the state’s economy and increase its internally generated revenue (IGR).
Yerima also discussed the historical role of MSMEs in Nigeria’s economy, noting that NASME was established in 1996 to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and promote sustainable economic development. He emphasized that having a functional NASME chapter in Ebonyi would be highly beneficial to the state government, as the association’s members regularly participate in mentorship programs and work to attract global investors.
In his address, the newly inaugurated Chairman of NASME’s Ebonyi State chapter, Comrade Joseph Umoke Erishi, echoed Yerima’s sentiments, expressing confidence that the new executive team would bring innovative leadership to the organization. Erishi praised Governor Nwifuru for his swift action in establishing EBSMEDA, which he sees as a sign of the governor’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for the private sector in Ebonyi.
Erishi highlighted the state’s agricultural potential, noting that Ebonyi is highly rated in crop production and has a comparative advantage in producing yam, rice, cassava, and oil palm, among other crops. He called for the adoption of mechanized farming to further boost agricultural output and the overall economy of the state.
Governor Nwifuru, represented by the State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Oguzor Ofia Nwali, reiterated the administration’s support for small business owners and assured the new NASME executives of continued collaboration. He urged the association’s members to remain united and work together for the development of the state.
The event, attended by various stakeholders, including representatives from the Bank of Agriculture, Industrial Training Fund, and the Export Promotion Council, among others, marked a significant step towards the economic advancement of Ebonyi State through the empowerment of SMEs.