MSMEs Shall Remain Our Pillar For Economic Development – Abia Govt

The Government of Abia State vowed to continue to empower micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), stressing that it remains a strong pillar in the fight against poverty and unemployment.

The government said that it shall continue to protect the environment and uphold security, as a foundation for lasting development in the State and country at large.

Commissioner for Industry, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), Michael Akpara said this at the weekend, on the celebration of the 2025 World MSME Day, organised by the African Association for Small and Medium Enterprises (AASME) at the Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba.

AbaCityBlog reports that World MSME Day is celebrated on June 27 every year. It was founded by the United Nations General Assembly, to raise awareness of the tremendous contributions of enterprises to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

While speaking, the Abia Commissioner
reaffirmed the Abia’s commitment to fostering a resilient, inclusive and sustainable economy, where MSMEs play critical roles in driving innovation, creating jobs and strengthening national prosperity.

Represented at the event, by Okey Ihemanma, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Akpara noted that the Abia State Government recognizes that true development cannot be achieved without economic security and environmental responsibility.

He said that the State Government, through the Ministry of Industry and SME is working with entrepreneurs, communities and other partners to build a future, where growth is meaningfully anchored in sustainability, supported by peace and inclusive of all.

Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Abia State, Prof. Uche Eme-Uche, expressed delight to be part of the 9th edition of World MSME Day.

She commended AASME for establishing World -African MSME Centre for Entrepreneurship, Business and Cultural Development (World MSME Knowledge Hub) at the Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic.

Prof. Uche-Eme described the theme of the event “Building a sustainable economy together with security development) as apt and topical, judging by the prevailing economic and security situation in Nigeria.

Represented by Nwomiko Udo-Nwokocha, Director of Administration, Ministry of Tertiary Education, the Commissioner described Abia State as the capital of small and medium enterprises.

She noted that Governor Alex Otti is sustaining this by providing access roads to and inside major markets and factories in and around Aba and other parts of the State.

“He is also rebuilding the major markets of Ariaria and Ekeoha shopping complex to international standard. Similarly, the Governor has spared nothing in the provision of security for residents of Abia State and Aba in particular.

“Within the first few months of his administration, he launched a security outfit code-named “Operation Crush”, which has done a good job keeping Abia largely safe and conducive for business”.

Darlington Onuoha Kalu, President/Chief Executive Officer, AASME, thanked Governor Otti for investing in infrastructure, especially in Aba to boost commerce.

Kalu praised the Governor for his decision to remodel markets in Aba and appealed to him to ensure that shop owners at the remodeled markets get their shops back.

The renowned business expert also thanked the Federal Government for providing funds to States for economic development and the management of Ogbonnaya Onu Polythecnic, for accepting to establish the World-African MSME Centre for Entrepreneurship, Business, Security and Cultural Development in the institution.