By Michael Odiah
ABUJA — The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has opened discussions with Local Government Chairmen in Delta State on strategies to strengthen rural industrialisation, expand MSME opportunities and create jobs at the grassroots.
The engagement took place at the SMEDAN headquarters in Abuja when the agency’s Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, Mr Charles Odii, received the Delta delegation led by the State Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Isaiah Onoriode Esiovwa.
The meeting focused on developing stronger collaboration between SMEDAN and local government authorities to extend enterprise support programmes to communities across the state.
Discussions also examined ways of using local government structures to stimulate rural economies, promote small-scale industries and improve access to opportunities for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
Odii said local governments have an important role to play in ensuring that national economic programmes translate into practical opportunities for people at the grassroots.
He reaffirmed SMEDAN’s commitment to partnerships aimed at empowering entrepreneurs, expanding productive activities and supporting sustainable employment.
According to him, the agency’s interventions are consistent with the Federal Government’s broader economic agenda of widening access to opportunities and enabling Nigerians, irrespective of their background, to participate meaningfully in the economy.
The engagement further highlighted the need for closer cooperation between federal agencies and sub-national authorities in addressing barriers confronting MSMEs and unlocking the economic potential of rural communities.
The Delta delegation later toured SMEDAN’s facilities, including its operational and innovation hubs, where officials were briefed on the agency’s programmes and infrastructure designed to support entrepreneurs and growing businesses.
The visit ended with a vote of thanks, during which the delegation expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its policies and interventions aimed at supporting businesses and promoting economic growth amid prevailing global economic pressures.
