Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday commissioned a state-of-the-art Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) hub for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Calabar, alongside two newly acquired Bombardier CRJ1000 aircraft for Cally Air, the Cross River State-owned airline. He also launched the 8th Expanded National MSME Clinics in the state.
The ICT hub, located within the refurbished State Library Complex, is part of the Federal Government’s drive to equip entrepreneurs with the tools and skills needed in today’s digital economy. Speaking at the ceremony, Shettima described the facility as “an investment in tomorrow” and a timely response to the global digital wave reshaping industries.
As part of the clinic’s activities, the Vice President announced the award of ₦250,000 in unconditional grants to outstanding business owners in the state, noting that the initiative was in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to supporting small businesses across Nigeria.
“This is not a loan. It is a gift to accelerate your journey,” Shettima said, adding that MSME Clinics were designed to bring government agencies such as the Corporate Affairs Commission, NAFDAC, SMEDAN, and the Bank of Industry directly to entrepreneurs, providing practical solutions to business challenges.
He highlighted other Federal Government interventions, including:
- ₦75bn MSME Intervention Fund through the Bank of Industry
- ₦50bn Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme to support one million nano businesses nationwide
- ₦75bn Manufacturers Fund, allowing manufacturers to access up to ₦1 billion at 9% interest
At least one Cross River manufacturer has already benefited from the Manufacturers Fund, Shettima disclosed.
Governor Bassey Otu commended the Federal Government’s economic reforms, pledging the state’s full support and reiterating his administration’s commitment to boosting MSME development.
Minister of Information Mohammed Idris affirmed President Tinubu’s unwavering backing for small businesses, while Special Adviser on Job Creation and MSME, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, described the clinics as a “transformational platform” for entrepreneurs across diverse sectors.
The event, which brought together federal and state officials, legislators, and business leaders, also served as a networking and resource-sharing platform for MSMEs in Cross River.
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