Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has praised Zenith Bank plc and Virtual Xchange Group, owner of FashionONE TV, for collaborating with his administration to develop and promote micro, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the state.
Ikpeazu in a speech delivered by his deputy, Ude Oko Chukwu, at the flag-off of “Enyimba Business Fair,” a three-day micro, small and medium enterprises summit/exhibition, powered by Zenith Bank in conjunction with Virtual Xchange Group and Abia State Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MoSMED), explained that the event was an investment and exhibition forum geared towards giving support to the MSMEs.
He stressed that it would make the MSMEs functional in a sustainable manner, ensure continuous socio-economic growth, poverty reduction, wealth creation, and job creation, among others.
With the growing economic uncertainties and rising unemployment, especially among the youths, he expressed an urgent need to build the capacity of the MSMEs, as key economic and development drivers.
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“Aba, the Enyimba City, is not only the commercial and industrial hub of Abia State but also the entrepreneurial and SME capital of Nigeria. Therefore, it is only natural and appropriate that an event of this nature and concentration will be held in Aba, a city widely acclaimed as the ‘Japan of Africa’.
“Aba, recently tagged as one of the largest business incubation cities in Africa, has been representing Made-in-Nigeria in diverse fields, through the numerous MSMEs, operating at different levels and in several sectors, ranging from leather works, garment, metal fabrication, services, repairs, maintenances, among others.”
The governor stated that MSMEs had provided the engine room for the massive economic activities that fuel the socio-economic base of Aba, including the provision of jobs for the residents.
“The government of the day in Abia State is particularly delighted that the support for Made-in-Nigeria products has risen tremendously in recent times.
“As a State policy, the government has put the promotion of Made-in-Aba goods in the front burner, as one of the strategic enablers to drive the economic development of the State and the citizenry.
“Aba remains the center of entrepreneurial excellence and great potentials for exploitation and harnessing. Consequently, for the economy of Abia State to grow and develop, the commercial city of Aba must be the anchor of any economic development plan,” he stated.
He opined that the commitment and determination of this administration to the development of MSMEs and entrepreneurship in Abia State remained unshakable and sacrosanct, stating that his administration is willing and ready at all times to partner organisations and institutions in that regard.
Adaora Umeoji, deputy managing director, Zenith Bank, who was represented at the event by Ifeanyi Dike, assistant general manager, Zenith Bank, stated that the bank entered into a partnership with Virtual Xchange Group and the Abia State government to empower MSMEs in the Aba fashion industry.
In her words, “We want to use the Enyimba Business Fair” to showcase the ingenuity of the people of Abia State and facilitate access and exposure to both national and international markets for “Made-in-Aba products.”
