From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
The Vice president, Alhaji Kashim Shettima yesterday commissioned and inspected several projects in Enugu state.
The projects include the 5th expanded National Micro, Small, Medium enterprises, MSME, Clinic, and Fashion and Garment hubs in Enugu, established by Enugu state government in partnership with the office of the Vice President.
The Vice President who arrived at the Akanu Ibiam international airport Enugu at 12:30pm was welcomed by the Enugu state governor Dr.Peter Mbah, Hon.Engr.Anayo Onwuegbu representing Aninri/Awgu/Oji River federal constituency in the National assembly,Senator Osita Ngwu representing Enugu West senatorial district, Senator Kelvin Chukwu representing Enugu East senatorial district and a host of other National legislators from the South East zone.
The Vice President also inspected the Enugu International Conference Centre which is over 80 percent completed, the digital museum, as well as the Command and Control Centre located at the government house Enugu.
He described the development strides of governor Peter Mbah in Enugu state as unprecedented in Nigeria. He assured that the federal government would partner Enugu state on the smart school initiative.
According to him, the MSME hub will bridge the gap between government and SMEs.
Shettima promised that the federal government and the National assembly would work out a strategy of addressing the problem of infrastructural deficit in the South East zone.
He announced a grant of 150, 000 naira each to the outstanding MSMEs in the state as the federal government’s commitment in nurturing MSMEs and fostering economic growth in Enugu state.
Shettima said the fashion and garment hub is equipped with the state-of-the-art technology to support the fashion manufacturing textiles in Enugu state, and boost production capacity. Alhaji Shettima said the fashion and garment hub has potential to produce many fashion products such as military uniforms, school uniforms and corporate wears of global standards.In addition to creating about 8,000 jobs.
Speaking, Governor Peter Mbah said the importance of the MSMEs can never be over emphasized as almost 90 percent of businesses in the country operates in small scale.
Governor Mbah further disclosed that the expanded National MSME Clinic hub provides a dynamic platform for MSMEs to access essential supports from government agencies and private sector stakeholders, noting that it offers on-the-spot solutions for business challenges such as regulatory approval, access to grants and low interest loans.
