MSMEs in Delta facing many challenges despite govt’s consistent support – DEMSMEDA Boss

Godwin Adolor, executive secretary/CEO, DEMSMEDA (5th from left); Orode Uduaghan, Delta commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Girl-Child Development (1st from right), and other speakers at the Summit held in Asaba, recently.

…We’re committed to seeing SMEs flourish to global stage  – State Govt …Together we can make Delta number one MSME-friendly state in Nigeria – Tony Elumelu

Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (DEMSMEDA) recently held a three-day summit where over 1,500 MSMEs, other business operators and stakeholders participated towards the transformation of the state’s MSME ecosystem.

Some came from far away riverine communities like Bomadi, Burutu and Patani to the Mariam Babangida Leisure Park, Awai Road, Asaba, the state capital, the venue of the summit.

The theme, ‘Advancing Delta MSME: From Vision To MORE Value’, spoke for itself as important step towards transforming the state into a vibrant centre of innovation, productivity and shared prosperity.

Godwin Adolor, executive secretary and chief executive officer (CEO) of the agency, in his address lamented that despite consistent government support, MSMEs in Delta State face numerous challenges, including lack of access to knowledge and information. “Many of our entrepreneurs lack the necessary skills, training, and expertise to compete in today’s market, limiting their ability to innovate, adapt to changing market trends, and access new opportunities. Other challenges include limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, and bureaucratic red tape, among others,” he said.

He thanked Governor Oborevwori for approving and supporting the initiative of the summit as the theme reflects the state’s commitment to empowering the entrepreneurs and fostering a thriving business ecosystem in the state under the MORE Agenda of meaningful development, opportunity for all.

According to him, “Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced peace and development – is at the heart of our vision for Delta State. This agenda is a blueprint for action, aimed at creating an environment where MSMEs can thrive, entrepreneurship is encouraged, and innovation is rewarded.”

How Governor Oborevwori sees MSMEs

For Govrrnor Oborevwori, the MSMEs is the lifeblood of every strong economy, creating jobs, inspiring creativity and sustaining livelihoods.

“Here in Delta, they embody the ingenuity and resilience of our people, from the farmer in Agbor to the Fashion Designer in Asaba and the tech entrepreneur in Warri,” he said.

Speaking through Samuel Oligida, commissioner for Trade and Investment, Oborevwori stated,  “Our commitment is to see every MSME not just survive, but flourish and to compete boldly at national and global level. To make this possible, we pledge to expand our support to entrepreneurs, giving them access to capital, equipping them with modern business tools and technological skills, building  infrastructure that supports growth and streamlining regulation; so, doing business in Delta is easier and fairer.

“We also deepen partnerships with banks and other private sector players and development agencies to amplify impact and ensure sustainability. What drives us is not just hope but value- value for entrepreneurs, consumers, communities and the state at large, creating jobs, reducing poverty and enhancing livelihoods.”

Oligida acknowledged NEXIM Bank’s endorsement, which was communicated through Stella Okotete, Executive Director, Business Development, disclosed that the state government is currently disbursing a N1 billion revolving loan to MSME operators across the 25 LGAs, adding that the facility was being managed by his ministry in collaboration with the Bank of Industry (BOI), attracting only a single-digit interest rate of nine per cent.

From the Guest Speaker:

Tony Elumelu, Group chairman, United Bank for Africa (UBA), who was chairman of occasion and guest speaker, left a big message to the participants: “To every entrepreneur here today, your vision. Is valid. Your hustle is Honourable. Turn that vision into a plan and let us co-create the path to move value to more revenue, more jobs, more impact. To the leadership of this great agency, Let us deepen this partnership.  Together, we can make Delta State the number one MSME-friendly state in Nigeria.”

Elumelu, who was represented by Lucky Akpotor, regional manager of the bank, said,  “The simple truth is that we all know that MSMEs are not just businesses. They are the heartbeat of our economy, the backbone of our communities and increasingly, the pride of Nigeria on the global stage.”

He talked about the economic power of MSMEs, the social impact of building inclusive prosperity, and the international dimension (Nigeria’s soft power and export potential).

Elumelu is a strong advocate of entrepreneurship as instrument for Africacapitalism which led to the birthing of Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), a philanthropy empowering a new generation of African entrepreneurs, driving poverty eradication, catalyzing job creation across all 54 African countries and ensuring inclusive economic empowerment even in Nigeria and Delta State.

He gave tips on how  to turn vision to MORE VALUE, noting that “This is where partnership becomes critical – and this is where banks UBA come in as enablers, not just financiers. We have moved beyond seeing MSMEs as ‘small customers.’ We see you as strategic partners in nation-building.”

He concluded by saying, “The future does not belong to the biggest companies. It belongs to the boldest entrepreneurs – and those who stand with them.

Various papers were presented by experts from government’s Ministries , Departments and Agencies (MDAs),  financial institutions and SMEs  under the theme, ranging from the role of women and youth in the development of economy, access to information, access to finance, access to markets amongst others.

The concerns raised by the participants were addressed and assurance given that more support would continue to come their way.

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