The federal government has given cash, house and vehicle rewards to over 15 enterprises Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and two state governments that have distinguished themselves in innovative business activities, job creation and economic support initiatives.
The awards were presented to the winners from a list of over 200 contestants as part of incentives to support innovation, standard and encourage the small-sized businesses to favourably compete with their foreign counterparts.
Beneficiaries of the keenly contested awards include Desoor Bags which won the award of excellence for the outstanding MSMEs clinic participant; Tarufa Management Enterprises won the Herbert Wigwe outstanding MSMEs clinic participant (male category), while CDIAL AI won the award for technology and innovation. Mamachiz Global Enterprises Ltd won the best company in furniture and woodwork.
Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency's award for excellence in manufacturing went to Bimkaf Palace Nigeria Limited. Bank of Industry (BOI) award of excellence for the MSMEs of the year went to Dharkagempire Ltd, while Lamshef's Collection Global Services Nig. Ltd clinched the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) award of excellence in fashion & style. Likewise, Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) award of excellence in leather works JHOS Carryall Enterprises.
Others are: National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) award of excellence in beauty and wellness, Kenmal Vin Nigeria Limited; Federal Inland Revenue Service (Firs) award of excellence in tax compliance, Lafbart Innovations and Consulting Ltd; National Sugar Council Development award of excellence in agriculture, Food is Medicine Nigeria Limited; and National Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) award of excellence in creative art went to Heartofjere
Benue and Katsina State governors were also rewarded for their outstanding contributions to supporting SMEs in their states at the event that took place at the Presidential Villa on Thursday night.
The vice president, Kashim Shettima, who was represented by the deputy chief of staff to the president, Ibrahim Hadejia, said the kind of impact that MSMEs have, makes them look as a solution not just to unemployment but also to security. He noted that Nigeria marks this year's MSMEs Day by bringing the issues facing MSMEs to the front burner, while proffering solutions on how to solve such issues.
In his address, the senior special assistant to the President on job creation and MSMEs, Tola Adekunle-Johnson, appreciated the AU Commission and partners for supporting MSMEs in Nigeria.
He said that Africa can now achieve single-digit facilities for MSMEs through these supports at various capacities.