Eleven small businesses won prizes at the Fourth Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Award and Dinner held on Sunday at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
In addition to cash prizes, six of the winners also drove home in brand new cars as Nigeria continues to leverage the growth of MSMEs in the country.
Gombe State and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, won awards as the Best MSME State One-Stop Shop and Best MSME Clinic respectively
The weeklong celebration of excellence and innovations in the MSMEs sector came to a climax with the awards with Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Governor Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State in attendance.
Prof. Osinbajo said at the event that the idea behind the weeklong celebration was to draw more attention to the challenges and prospects in the sector.
According the Vice-President, the interest shown in the awards by Nigerian entrepreneurs has been tremendous.
“In the past years, winners in the different categories have gone home with various prizes that have impacted their businesses and profiles – cash prizes, cars, and of course local and international media attention.
“The awards have also inspired many young entrepreneurs to greatness and some of the stories are simply incredible.
“This year we also have a selection of outstanding winners.
“Our MSME of the Year “Bold Artistry” is a company with a team of young and creative artists working on improving the arts industry by introducing Polystyrene to their works. With this they have created impressive artworks and are providing jobs for many, budding artists.”
Prof. Osinbajo said that all the finalists typically get, as part of the prize package, two weeks of media attention to showcase and market their products.
“I am glad to note that this year will be even bigger when compared to the limitations experienced during the 2020 edition due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” Osinbajo stated.
Speaking on the award won by his State, Governor of Gombe State, Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya, said that he was delighted that the efforts his administration has been making to support MSMEs have been recognized.
Governor Yahaya said “being picked to be the number one State that provided enabling environment for businesses to thrive is very fulfilling, very rewarding and I think it will stir us to do more so that our people will feel the impact of what the federal government and State government are doing in terms of support for small businesses.”
Welcoming the guests to the award ceremony, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mariam Katagum, said that the 2021 MSMEs Award was programmed to be part of the commemoration of the United Nations MSMEs Day.
Katagum said that over 41million MSMEs in Nigeria account for 76% of Nigeria’s labour force and contribute 50% to the GDP.
“This impactful contribution of MSMEs has re-invigorated the commitment and sustained interest of this administration in repositioning the sector for efficiency, growth and development,” she said.
In her speech presented at the event, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed urged the Nigerian government and all stakeholders to continue to work together to promote the growth of small businesses in Nigeria.
Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Dr. Adeyemi Dipeolu had in his introduction to the awards, said that other activities that took place during the MSMEs week included visits by the vice president to some small businesses in Abuja, the National MSMEs Discourse and a fashion and art exhibition.
Dipeolu said the awards started with the call for applications, submission of videos, vigorous screening of applicants by a committee made of ministries, departments and agencies as well as private sector MSMEs partners.
The Presidential Aide said that the number of applicants for the award this year showed the impact of the award on public consciousness and the credibility of the selection process.
