The Federal Government has pledged to revitalise the commercial production of cocoa and oil palm as part of efforts to diversify Nigeria’s economy and create jobs.
Vice President Kashim Shettima made this known while declaring open the seventh edition of the Expanded National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Clinic in Akure, Ondo State.
He revealed that President Bola Tinubu has ordered the planting of 100 million oil palm trees nationwide and promised a comprehensive revival of the cocoa industry.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given a clear directive that we should plant 100 million oil palm trees across the country. We’re also going to revive the cocoa industry,” Shettima said.
Highlighting the critical role of small businesses in national development, the Vice President reiterated the administration’s commitment to empowering MSMEs.
“MSMEs account for 90 percent of jobs in this country. They are key to poverty alleviation and national prosperity. The growth of our economy must go hand in hand with the growth of small businesses,” he stated.
According to Shettima, 65 MSMEs in Ondo State had already accessed funds from the Federal Government’s N75 billion intervention fund aimed at supporting small businesses.
“Ondo State is very strategic to Nigeria’s economic development. We encourage entrepreneurs to take full advantage of this clinic to scale up their businesses,” he added.
Earlier, the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa described MSMEs as the engine room of economic development. He reiterated his administration’s seven-point development agenda which includes support for entrepreneurship and job creation.
Also, Governor Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State at the event lauded the Federal Government’s initiative, stating that no country can develop without supporting its small and medium scale enterprises.
The MSME Clinic was a platform for entrepreneurs to access funding, mentorship, and business registration support, while connecting with federal and state agencies for enterprise development.
