Jos: SMEDAN MSMEs Opportunity Fair Showcase State Products, Says DG

In order to explore opportunities in the non-oil sector, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) is holding an opportunity fair for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Plateau

Olawale Fasanya, the Director-General of SMEDAN, while speaking at the event on Tuesday said the aim of the event is to showcase the products of MSMEs in the state.

“The opportunity fair is organised annually to explore the untapped opportunities in the non-oil sector in order to boost the nation’s economy.’’

According to Fasanya, the fair is to also provide opportunities for MSMEs in the state to thrive, particularly in the post-COVID-19 era.

“The opportunity fair, which is an annual event usually implemented in the North and South Geo-political zones of the country is to further enhance Nigeria MSMEs prominence, competitiveness and development.

“The decision to have the second leg of the 2022 edition of the opportunity fair in Jos is therefore not only deliberate but also very auspicious most especially in this post-COVID19 pandemic era.

“Also, the dwindling resources from oil and the need to explore several economic opportunities that have largely remained untapped necessitated the need for the agency to use the fair to deepen the MSME scope in the state.

”Essentially, the opportunity fair is initiated to provide opportunities that the fair usually opens up for them as it presents a platform for business to business and business to public sector enabling institutions networking,” he said.

Fasanya said that the fair was purposely designed to create access to market linkages, networking, and access to critical business information required for MSMEs growth and development.

“As important as this sub-sector is to the overall wellbeing of our national economy, it is bedevilled by some challenges that do not allow for some of the new enterprises to survive their third year anniversary.

“Understanding that access to market is one of such challenges; SMEDAN has over the years assiduously worked to ensure that this issue is gradually addressed through the MSME opportunity fairs.

“Essentially, the fair is designed to provide opportunities for exhibition of goods and products by participating MSMEs,” he added.

Fasanya said that the fair would also provide opportunities for critical MDAs “that are MSMEs enablers or regulators to freely interact with MSMEs operators.’’

The D-G appreciated the Plateau government for its support to the agency toward the growth of MSMEs in the state.

Gov. Simon Lalong, who declared the event open also thanked SMEDAN for organising the event and for all it had been doing toward supporting young entrepreneurs in the state.

Prof Danladi Atu, Secretary to the State Government who represented the Governor further commended the agency for its efforts in creating job opportunities in the non-oil sector.