BY CHARLES OGBONNAYA.
The Federal Government has honoured two entrepreneurs from Abia State, Mr. Clement Orjinta and Miss Prosper Chidinma Erem with Fashion and Style and Leather Works Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, MSME National merit award.
The event – MSME National Merit Award, took place at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja and streamlined live across the nation via zoom.
In his speech, the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osibanjo said the Federal Government will continue to create an enabling environment that will ensure SMES development thrive in Nigeria owing to its potentials and positive impact on the nation’s economy.
Prof Osibanjo while maintaining that Government do not take for granted the impact of the awards on the recipients, congratulated them for their steadfastness and success in the various categories of the awards despite the COVID- 19 pandemic and it’s impact on SMES development.
Earlier in his remarks, the Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu said his administration, leveraging on it’s five policy thrust recognized the need to promote the ingenuity of Abia artisans as well as identify and encourage entrepreneurs by providing every necessary incentives and support.
Dr lkpeazu who spoke through the Commissioner for SME Development, Mr Onyema Wachukwu said Government has equally taken steps in sustaining the title of Abia as an SME State by painstakingly championing the made in Aba and Nigeria products and disclosed that the state is proud of the two Abians, Clement C Orjinta and Miss Prosper Chidinma Erem who benefitted from the MSME National Merit Award and appreciated the opportunity offered them.
The Governor used the forum to congratulate the award recipients for achieving the wonderful feat, promising to continue to support them excel in their various endeavours while enjoining other youths to emulate them by identifying and developing their inert talents.
In his response, Mr Clement C Orjinta who won the Fashion and Style National Merit Award with a cash donation of one million naira expressed gratitude to organizers of the year 2020 award ceremony and thanked Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for providing the platform that enabled him obtain the grace to win.
Similarly Miss Prosper Chidinma Erem who bagged the Leather Works MSME National Merit Award plus five hundred thousand naira cash thanked the Federal Government and organizers of the event for finding her fit for the award as well as the Governor for the opportunity granted her, promising to always make the State proud.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of SME Development, Mr Nkwachukwu Agomuo, top Government officials witnessed the event which also feature other SMES States of Lagos, Bauchi, Niger, Kaduna, Benue and Kebbi winning in various categories.
Charles reporting from deputy governor’s office
16th July, 2020.
