MSME Clinic: 10,000 registered, 12 MSMEs emerge winners of the 4th National MSME Award

The Nigeria's Vice President, Prof Yemi Osibanjo has announced that 12 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria have emerged winners of the 4th Edition of the National MSME Award.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this at the 4th National MSME Awards held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja on Monday night.

In the Awards ceremony, Gombe State was recognized as the best State in the ease of doing business rankings.

The Awards ceremony was the climax of a week-long celebration of excellence, hard work and innovation in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector in Nigeria.

Prof Osibanjo further disclosed that this year's National MSME Award recieved 10,000 entries which indicated the tremendous interests shown in the Award by Nigerian Entrepreneurs.

His words: “In the first edition of the awards in 2018, 500 applications were received. I am told that over 10,000 entries were received for this year’s edition alone. Clearly, the interest shown in the awards by Nigerian entrepreneurs has been tremendous.”

The VP observed that though past winners in the different categories have gone home with various prizes that have impacted their businesses and profiles, the stakes are higher in 2021, stating that, “this year will be even bigger when compared to the limitations experienced during the 2020 edition due to the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Commending the creativity of the 12 winners in different categories, Prof Osibanjo noted that "the awards have inspired many young entrepreneurs to greatness and some of the stories are simply incredible.”

His words; “this year we also have a selection of outstanding winners. Our MSME of the Year, “Bold Artistry”, is a company with a team of young and creative artists working on improving the arts industry by introducing Polystyrene to their works. With this, they have created impressive artworks and are providing jobs for many budding artists.”

Talking about another outstanding MSME, Prof. Osinbajo noted that, "Osky Integrated has created its niche in the business of catfish farming. The founders are adding value to fish farming through processing for the local and export market.

“Other winners such as Vegas Gold and the Footwear Academy are promoting made in Nigeria products in the fashion and footwear industries respectively.”

Speaking on progress made in interventions targeted at supporting growth in the MSME sector, Prof. Osinbajo said the Federal Government was on the right path, having completed and inaugurated two Shared Facility projects for MSMEs in Benue and Lagos States, with the third located at the Ogbunike Leather Cluster in Anambra State ready for commissioning.

The VP reiterated President Mohammadu's commitment to small business, noting that “we are encouraged by the innovation of young Nigerians and your resilience. We are on the right path.

“Let me leave you with President Muhammadu Buhari’s words of commitment to MSMEs in Nigeria: he said, “we will continue to stand by you, to support you and create opportunities for you to grow and prosper.”

While congratulating all the finalists and nominated MSMEs across the country, the VP urged those who didn’t make it in this year not to give up, urging them to “keep innovating, keep working hard,” assuring that “your recognition and reward is inevitable.”