January 28, (THEWILL) – Borno State entrepreneurs have received a significant boost with an unconditional grant of N300,000 each to support their businesses.
The announcement was made by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the official opening of the 6th Expanded National MSME Clinic and Fashion Hub held on Tuesday at the Government House in Maiduguri.
Speaking at the event, Senator Shettima disclosed that the grant would be awarded to outstanding Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that participated in the exhibition.
“On behalf of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I am pleased to announce that an unconditional grant of N300,000 will be awarded to each outstanding MSME exhibiting today,” he said.
The Vice President further explained that the Borno State event is part of a broader national initiative to expand MSME Clinics across Nigeria, aimed at providing practical support to small businesses.
He assured entrepreneurs that the grants were non-repayable, emphasizing the government’s dedication to ensuring the sustainability of businesses in the state.
Shettima also spotlighted the newly inaugurated Borno State Fashion Hub, describing it as a critical asset in the state’s efforts to enhance the MSME sector.
The Fashion Hub, which has the potential to create up to 48,000 jobs annually, is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities designed to support the local fashion manufacturing industry.
“This hub is one of the largest established by the Federal Government and will play a pivotal role in boosting the fashion industry in Borno State,” he added.
Governor Babagana Zulum, in his address, highlighted the inclusive approach his administration has adopted to foster small and medium-scale enterprises.
He acknowledged the severe hardships faced by MSMEs in Borno due to the prolonged insurgency and wider economic difficulties.
Zulum said, “The MSME Clinic will revive business activities, create jobs, and increase income opportunities for our people,”
“Our government is committed to providing more avenues for our people to expand their income sources.”
The governor shared details of his administration’s various initiatives aimed at empowering entrepreneurs, including the disbursement of soft loans, construction of modern markets, the establishment of vocational training institutions, and renovation of skill acquisition centres damaged by the insurgency.
Zulum also outlined the key focus areas of the MSME Clinics, which include funding, skill development, infrastructure, access to markets, and technology. The Clinics will offer vital services such as business registration, training, and mentorship to help entrepreneurs scale their businesses.
“The expansion of this Clinic is not just a project; it is a testament to our belief in the creativity and resilience of Borno’s entrepreneurs. When MSMEs thrive, they create jobs, reduce poverty, and foster innovation across sectors,” Governor Zulum added.
He encouraged entrepreneurs to take full advantage of the resources provided by the MSME Clinic to enhance their skills, grow their businesses, and seize new opportunities.
Before the event, Vice President Shettima also commissioned the Borno State Fashion Hub, which is located at the defunct Kashim Ibrahim College of Education and WEMA Bank’s partnership branch.
The facility is expected to serve as a major catalyst for growth in the state’s fashion industry.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh; and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson.
