Shettima hands over 200 new stores to traders at Adire market

Vice President Kashim Shettima has handed over 200 newly refurbished stores for use to 400 entrepreneurs at the popular Asero Adire market in Abeokuta, Ogun State. 

A statement  by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Information, Stanley Nkwocha, said beneficiaries will use the stores free of charge for a period of one year after which they will be charged discounted rates for the use of the facilities. 

The gesture is part of efforts by President Tinubu administration to support small businesses by providing an enabling environment for them to thrive. 

Shettima announced the gesture on Tuesday at the second edition of the Expanded National MSME Clinics in Abeokuta, Ogun State. 

According to the Vice President, the Clinics and related activities hold the promise of easing the way for small businesses to transform their empires or unicorns of note. 

His words: “The National MSME Clinics serve as a bridge between us—between the people and the government. They are designed to bring the government in close proximity to the people by convening all regulatory agencies under one roof. 

“This journey further reinforces my conviction that our paramount responsibility as a government is to persist in crafting an enabling environment that allows these small businesses not only to thrive but also to expand their horizons”. 

Assuring that the Federal Government, in collaboration with partners, will not rest on their oars until small businesses reach the heights of their potential, the Vice President noted that the overall objective is to “foster an ecosystem where innovation flourishes, where the entrepreneurial spirit of Nigeria shines brightly on the global stage, and where our collaborations yield immense dividends.” 

He expressed confidence that with little support, MSMEs across the country can deploy their talents, creativity and boundless energy to building more viable enterprises. 

The Vice President paid glowing tributes to the Ogun State Government for cooperation in the project, describing the State “as a guiding force in the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting enterprises and empowering their owners.” 

He noted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for the nation which he said “relies on exploring the industrial capabilities developed in this Gateway to the Nation”. 

Apart from the Clinics, the VP also commissioned two projects executed by the Federal Government in collaboration with partners – the ultra-modern fashion hub for MSMEs and the refurbished Asero Adire market, all in Abeokuta.