Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa has called on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the state to embrace collaboration to enhance the growth of their businesses and improve livelihoods.
Sule made the call on Thursday in Lafia at a one-day Nasarawa Business Empowerment Summit, organised Mrs Kunkwle Nghargbu-Adokwe, founder of NK Foundation, in collaboration with the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion.
The summit had as its theme. “Collaboration as a means of strengthening Small and Medium Scale Enterprises.”
The governor, represented the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Margaret Elayo, said SMEs could only thrive through collaboration.
“Collaboration is a necessity when we are talking about SMEs. In most cases, when we collaborate together, we share ideas and define purpose, rather than limiting ourselves to one person’s idea.
“That forms the growth when it comes to entrepreneurship. Togetherness means collaboration in every aspect of life; in relationships, businesses, work, and leadership.
“When you are intentional about working with people, it takes you far beyond your imagination,” he said.
The governor urged small business owners to partner with those who possess the capacity, vision and sustainability required to grow their enterprises.
In her remarks, the Convener, Nghargbu-Adokwe, said the summit was organised to address development challenges in Nigeria, including unemployment, poverty and inequality.
She said youths, who make up over 60 per cent of the nation’s population, were the most affected these challenges, hence the need for empowerment initiatives.
Nghargbu-Adokwe explained that the summit brought together about 500 entrepreneurs from various fields to share knowledge.
She said that it was also aimed at empowering no fewer than 20 small business owners with cash, sewing machines and other items.
“The summit will equip young entrepreneurs in Nasarawa with the insights necessary to launch and scale successful businesses. It will also provide targeted support to selected entrepreneurs, enabling them to expand their impact.
“By fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, the initiative will promote job creation, innovation and economic growth,” she said.
Also speaking, Mr Ibrahim Abdullahi, the Managing Director of the Nasarawa State Investment and Development Agency (NASIDA) Mr. commended the convener for her initiative, noting that it aligned with the governor’s vision of making the state conducive for enterprise.
Similarly, Dr Vincent Paul of the Department of Entrepreneurship Studies, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, urged SMEs to pool resources, share expertise and adopt cooperative strategies to strengthen operations.
He listed other strategies to include the use of technology, data sharing, cooperative buying, skill training and formal agreements to support collaborations.
On his part, Mr. Mohammed Oyanki, Deputy Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, appreciated the convener of the initiative, saying it would go a long way to help young entrepreneurs grow.
He reiterated the commitment of the legislature to passing enabling laws that would enhance the growth of small businesses and promote ease of doing business in the state.
In her remarks, Prof. Sa’adatu Hassan-Liman, the Vice Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, represented Dr Ahmed Ibrahim, commended the initiative and encouraged small business owners to explore non-conventional loans to boost their enterprises. (NAN).