Ondo State Vital to Nigeria’s Economic Growth — VP Shettima
— Aiyedatiwa Seeks Federal Support for Fashion Hub, Oil Palm Processing Plant as MSME Clinic Holds in Akure
Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has underscored Ondo State’s pivotal role in the nation’s socio-economic development, emphasizing that Nigeria’s economic future hinges on the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Speaking at the 7th edition of the Expanded National MSME Clinic tagged Ondo 2025, held at The Dome, Akure, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, Shettima declared that MSMEs form the bedrock of Nigeria’s economy and must be nurtured to achieve inclusive growth.
“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,” the Vice President said.
He disclosed that 65 MSMEs from Ondo State have already benefited from the Federal Government’s N75 billion intervention fund, noting that the Sunshine State is critical to Nigeria’s economic advancement. Shettima also revealed plans under the Renewed Hope Agenda to plant 100 million oil palm trees nationwide and revive the cocoa industry, in a strategic move to boost agricultural productivity.
Commending Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his administration’s strides in infrastructure and MSME development, Shettima remarked: “What I’ve seen here today is very impressive. Governor Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to development is visible and commendable.”
In his address, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the MSME Clinic as a transformational initiative that aligns with his administration’s OUR EASE Agenda, aimed at creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
He highlighted key achievements of MSMEs in Ondo State, including national awards won by Denki Wire and Cables Ltd and Kay Classic Fashion. The Governor further disclosed that the Ondo State Micro-Credit Agency (ODSMA) disbursed over N220 million in interest-free loans in 2024, while thousands of entrepreneurs have benefited from the “One Youth One Skill” program and the Odatiwa Skills Development Enterprise Centres (OSDEC).
Aiyedatiwa appealed to the Vice President for federal support in establishing a Fashion Hub Shared Facility in Ondo State, as well as an Oil Palm Processing Plant to enhance productivity in the state’s agricultural sector.
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Abiodun Oyebanji, also lauded the MSME Clinic initiative, describing it as a strategic approach to human capacity development. He emphasized the need for Nigerians to patronize locally made goods to drive national productivity and economic growth.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, in a goodwill message, commended the empowerment of young entrepreneurs, calling for stronger collaborations between the public and private sectors to support indigenous businesses.
Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Mr. Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, provided a national overview of the Clinic’s impact, stressing that direct interaction between regulators and MSMEs has significantly enhanced business performance.
Earlier, Ondo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, welcomed the Vice President and acknowledged the state’s unwavering commitment to business empowerment and economic development.
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Empowerment and Job Creation, Mr. Orioye Gbayisemore, noted that over 10,000 youths have been empowered through various state-led initiatives, praising the entrepreneurial spirit of Ondo State youth.
As part of his visit, Vice President Shettima also met with traditional rulers at the Ondo State Council of Obas Secretariat, where he solicited royal support for the policies and reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration ahead of 2027.
