Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima has praised Governor Peter Mbah for his significant contributions to the development of Enugu State, highlighting the transformative projects implemented across various sectors.
Shettima visited Enugu on Thursday to inaugurate the Enugu State Garment and Fashion Hub and to unveil the 5th Expanded National Micro, Small, and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSME) Clinics, a partnership between the Federal Government and Enugu State aimed at enhancing the MSME sector.
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During his visit, Shettima toured several infrastructure projects initiated by the Mbah Administration, including the Command and Control security infrastructure and the International Conference Centre.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration over political rivalry, asserting the Federal Government’s commitment to working alongside visionary leaders regardless of their political affiliations.
“Politics is behind us; we are now focused on development. We must unite to tackle the challenges of underdevelopment in our nation. Governor Peter Mbah has the best interests of the people of Enugu at heart,” Shettima stated.
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The Vice President expressed admiration for Mbah’s security initiatives and his investment in water supply and education, which he described as vital for societal change.
He noted, “Education can transform lives. With initiatives like Smart Schools, Governor Mbah is planting seeds for future success.”
Shettima was impressed by the technological advancements in the state, describing the infrastructure as state-of-the-art and commending Mbah’s effective use of digital technology.
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He urged unity in efforts to elevate Enugu’s status, stating, “Enugu has the potential to be on par with Kaduna and Ibadan. Before Governor Mbah’s leadership, the state struggled with basic amenities, including water supply.”
Highlighting the significance of MSMEs to economic growth, Shettima explained that the garment and fashion hub could act as a catalyst for economic development, capable of generating approximately 48,000 jobs.
He announced a grant of N150,000 for distinguished MSMEs during the clinics.
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Governor Mbah reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to fostering the MSME sector, recognizing it as crucial to economic vitality.
He thanked the Federal Government for its ongoing support and noted that nearly 90 percent of businesses in Nigeria are small-scale enterprises.
He emphasized that the success of MSMEs relies on strategic policies that create a conducive business environment, supported by infrastructure and security.
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Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, commended the partnership between the Federal Government and Enugu State for nurturing MSMEs, asserting that the opportunities provided can unlock the potential of Nigeria’s youth.
Earlier, in their welcome addresses, Arinze Chilo-Offia, Special Adviser to Governor Mbah on MSMEs and Digital Economy, and Temitola Adekunle Johnson, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts that led to the successful initiatives.