By DADA AYOKHAI
The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki has extended his deepest appreciation to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) for her invaluable partnership in fostering the growth of Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs) in the State.
Governor Obaseki made the submission during an interaction session with the fund coordinator
The collaborative effort of the UNDP according to the Governor Obaseki with Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), Edo State Skills Development Agency (Edojobs), Ministry of Business, Trade and Cooperatives (MBTC), and other relevant business entities, UNDP has facilitated the disbursement of a grant totalling 300 million naira to 3,000 MSMEs across Edo state to cushion the adverse effect of socio-economic challenges.
The strategic partnership has significantly contributed to addressing key developmental challenges and enhancing the economic landscape of our state. UNDP’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth and advancing the well-being of MSMEs resonates deeply with our vision to promote economic development, and prosperity of the Edo people.
He also said that the grant made possible through UNDP’s support is instrumental in uplifting small businesses, many of which are the backbone of our local economy. With access to financial resources as these, MSMEs within the state have been able to innovate, expand their operations, and contribute to job creation, thus positioning Edo State as a prime destination for investment and bolstering the economic resilience of these businesses. By fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, we are not only creating economic opportunities but also nurturing a culture of self-reliance and sustainability among our citizens.
The managing director, ESIPO- Mr Kelvin Uwaibi in his statement said “With the UNDP grant, the Edo state government has been able to make significant progress towards creating a great Edo state that we can all be proud of. However, we cannot do it alone – we need more investors from around the world to consider investing in Edo state. We also encourage Edolites both home and abroad to invest in their homeland. By working together, we can make Edo state a shining example of what can be achieved through cooperation and dedication.”
Also, the Acting Managing Director of the Edo State Skills Development Agency (Edojobs), Mrs Anita Eribo in her speech said, “I would like to thank the United Nations Development Program for their generous support of this grant program. Because of them, we have been able to improve the lives of our citizens and make progress towards a better future. We are humbled by their dedication and commitment, and the impact of this intervention extends beyond economic empowerment. By supporting MSMEs, we are also addressing social inequalities and fostering community development. Many of the beneficiaries of the grant are women and youth entrepreneurs whose success stories inspire others and contribute to the overall social fabric of our society.”
As we express our gratitude to UNDP for their unwavering support, we also reaffirm our commitment to further collaboration and partnerships. Together, we have achieved significant milestones, but there is still much work to be done. We envision a future where every entrepreneur in Edo State has the opportunity to succeed, where innovation thrives, and where economic prosperity is shared by all, said His Excellency.
Governor Obaseki also expressed his gratitude to the stakeholders involved in making this partnership a success. Together, we will build a brighter and more prosperous future for the people of Edo State.
