The Federal government has commenced the implementation of strategies towards the creation of jobs and lifting people out of extreme Poverty with a phasial distribution of working tools to numerous beneficiaries across the country.
During the inaugural activity in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Amb. Nura Abba Rimi, stated that this activity “is part of President Tinubu’s administration’s efforts, along with all stakeholders, to create a favourable environment for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises to succeed in a sustainable manner.” He further mentioned that this event signifies the commencement of the implementation of the strategy document developed by the Ministry, which aims to expand employment opportunities and encourage meaningful participation in wealth generation activities.
Nura stated that “this Initiative aligns with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” which aims to maximise the contribution of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to the national economy. It also aims to propose effective measures for job creation and poverty alleviation by promoting the development of MSMEs.
He gave his assurance that “in the upcoming days” In the near future, the Ministry will communicate and collaborate with the appropriate parties mentioned in the Strategy Document to ensure that the opportunities for employment and wealth generation are put into action, resulting in the prompt creation of jobs within the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises sector.
He stated that the implementation will encompass not only working tools but also contribute to infrastructural development, education and skills enhancement, technology and innovation, agriculture and rural development, healthcare and well-being, social programmes and inclusion, international collaboration, and trade, amongst others.
The distribution of skills acquisition items at the beginning of this implementation was intended to strengthen government’s stance on enabling a large number of people to generate wealth for their homes and contribute to the national economy.
The commodities encompass inverter welding equipment, vulcanising machines, industrial sewing machines, and hairdressing kits.
Earlier the Director investment promotion Department in the ministry Mrs Getrude Orji welcomed stakeholders to the programme stating that the strategy implementation was not designed as a short relief but a long – term transformational programme that would empower individuals and communities to become agents of change.
During the event, Yerima Abdullahi, the President of the National Association of Small and Medium Scale Enterprise (NASME), verified the authenticity of the programme by stating that members are now getting the things. This contrasts with prior administrations when announced items were never really received.
The President of the Association, represented by the Chairman of the Benue State chapter of NASME, Gadaffi Asemanya, commended the Ministry and President Tinubu for this innovation, acknowledging that many individuals perceived it as the typical pattern of unfulfilled pledges from previous times. “Previously, items would vanish prior to reaching us,” he emphasised.
He so encouraged other Ministries and parastatals to imitate the Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment and take action to alleviate poverty among Nigerians.
The Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, praised the Minister and the Permanent Secretary for their timely and commendable attempt to tackle the economic slowdown in her goodwill message.
“I urge other agencies and Ministries to assert themselves and be recognised.”
“Let’s collectively return to the initial stage of planning and evaluate how each of us can make a contribution,” she declared.
Adebayo Thomas PhD
Director Information and Public Relation
