From Abdullahi Idris, Bauchi
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has pledged his readiness to provide the necessary resources for the growth and development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs, in the state.
Mohammed made the pledge while receiving the 2024 Most SME Governor Award at the 2024 National MSME Conference held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Represented by his Deputy, Mr Auwal Jatau, the governor expressed gratitude to SMEDAN for finding him worthy of the award, saying “this recognition is not just a testament to my administration’s commitment on SME development, but a reflection of the collective efforts of all stakeholders dedicated to the growth and development of micro, small and medium enterprises.”
He said his administration had implemented several initiatives aimed at supporting entrepreneurs with accessible funding programmes, streamlined process for business registration and essential training and capacity-building workshops to achieve the desired results.
Governor Mohammed said the state government had prioritised infrastructural development, ensuring that “our roads, markets and facilities meet the needs of our business community.
“By investing in infrastructure, we are not just enhancing accessibility, but also fostering a climate of trust and reliability that is essential for any business to flourish.
“I am honoured to accept this prestigious award on behalf of the government and the good people of Bauchi State. MSMEs are the backbone of our economy. They drive innovation, create jobs and foster inclusive growth.
“In Bauchi State, we understand that empowering our MSMEs is not just a policy goal, but a moral imperative. Over the past few years, we have focused on creating an enabling environment for these enterprises to thrive.”
The governor reiterated the unwavering commitment of his administration towards investing in MSMEs with the establishment of a robust support system that will facilitate growth and innovation to address the challenges faced by entrepreneurs.
In his address, the Director-General, SMEDAN, Mr Charles Odili said the award acknowledges the positive impact of Governor Mohammed towards the development and growth of micro, small and medium enterprises.
