Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has unveiled a ₦100 million grant scheme for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and empowered 10,000 businesses with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) certificates as part of a comprehensive initiative to deepen entrepreneurship, expand access to finance and accelerate economic growth across the state.
The event also featured the commencement of continuous free CAC business registration and the launch of the SMEs Business Support Cooperative.
The scheme is designed to provide entrepreneurs with sustained access to financing, business advisory services, capacity building and market opportunities.
Speaking at the event, Governor Ododo, who was represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, described MSMEs as the backbone of the economy, stressing that his administration remains committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, attract investment and create jobs.
He said formal business registration goes beyond legal compliance, noting that it gives entrepreneurs access to government interventions, financial services, investment opportunities and wider markets.
“Formalising businesses is not merely a legal requirement; it is a strategic investment in the future of our entrepreneurs and our state’s economy,” the governor said.
Congratulating the 10,000 beneficiaries, Gov. Ododo urged them to uphold integrity in business, maintain proper financial records, meet their tax obligations and contribute to the
economic development of the state through enterprise and job creation.
He encouraged entrepreneurs to formalise their businesses, enrol in the SMEs Business Support Cooperative and leverage the various opportunities provided by the state government to grow their enterprises.
The governor commended KEDA, the Corporate Affairs Commission, development partners, financial institutions and other stakeholders for their collaboration in delivering the MSMEs support programme.
“As entrepreneurs prosper, families prosper. As businesses grow, communities develop. As communities develop, Kogi State becomes stronger,” he said.
Managing Director of the Kogi State Enterprise Development Agency (KEDA), Muhammed Okeji, said the initiative aligns with the vision of the administration of Governor Ododo to building a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem capable of driving sustainable economic growth and improving livelihoods.
He announced that the continuous CAC registration exercise, launched at the event, would continue at the KEDA headquarters in Lokoja and designated centres across the state to enable more entrepreneurs formalise their businesses and benefit from government support programmes.
The Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mukhtar Shuaibu represented by the Secretary of the Ministry’s SME Department, Mrs. Osasona Victoria, described the intervention as a landmark step towards strengthening the MSME sector in the state and advancing economic diversification.
She said the distribution of CAC certificates would transform informal businesses into recognised legal entities, while the newly inaugurated SMEs Business Support Cooperative would provide a sustainable platform for financing, mentorship and enterprise growth.
A major highlight of the event was the launch of the SMEs Business Support Cooperative, established to provide post-registration support through affordable credit, business development services, collective bargaining opportunities and stronger market linkages for entrepreneurs.
The programme also featured an exhibition by the Kogi Fashion Hub, showcasing locally manufactured furniture, leather products, garments and fashion accessories, including handcrafted school bags, handbags and travel bags produced by indigenous entrepreneurs.
