From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima has stressed that it is impossible to grow the country’s Gross Domestic Product, (GDP) without the Micro Small Medium Enterprises, (MSME).
The Vice President stated this during the commissioning of Benue Fashion Hub and the Printing House in Makurdi on Tuesday that is expected to generate N3 billion revenue yearly.
Sen. Shettima emphasized that MSME remains the pillar of any nation accounting for 96 percent of Nigeria businesses and another 45 percent to the economy
The Vice President who was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff in the Presidency, office of the Vice President, Sen. Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, said 80 percent of Nigerians would have been without job if the MSME do not exist.
He also said that the Benue fashion industry would account for over 48,000 job per annum, adding that the Federal Government has already opened five MSMEs while 31 more are to be opened in all the States of the Federation including the FCT.
He said, “the commissioning of this facility which is a cutting edge equipment represents Federal Government’s intervention to foster a conducive environment for MSMEs to thrive.
“It will expand the State’s identity beyond Food Basket of the Nation and revamp the State to home of textile and cultural heritage as it is equipped with over 200 pieces of machines and more than 100 ICT devices in its cluster which can manufacture military, school uniforms both for Benue and beyond. In fact, it is the largest ever commission by the Federal Government”.
Speaking, Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia said the Fashion Hub is an embodiment of the State collective vision for a prosperous, creative and empowered Benue State.
Governor Alia also noted that the Benue State Fashion Hub, which is the initiative of the Presidency and a gift to the state, is a cornerstone of his administration’s agenda to promote creativity, foster innovation, create employment and provide opportunities for the Benue people.
Alia said “The project is designed to harness the abundant talents of our youth and transform them into thriving enterprises that will contribute significantly in building our economy.”
Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSME, Mr Tola Adekunle said the Federal Government was ready to support all State Governments to succeed through MSME.
Mr Adekunle further commended Governor Alia for his achievements so far and urged him to do more for the Benue people.