By Shu’aibu Gachi
The Executive Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, PhD CON, has been bestowed with the prestigious MSMEs Finance Award 2024 by Nairametrics, a leading Nigerian online newspaper focused on business and economic current affairs.
The award ceremony, held in Lagos on Friday celebrated the Governor’s outstanding contributions to the development and financing of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria.
Nairametrics, renowned for providing comprehensive access to macroeconomic data, corporate finance information, consumer price data, and pricing analytics, recognized Governor Radda’s exemplary efforts in fostering MSME growth and financial inclusion in Katsina State.
Governor Radda was ably represented by his Technical Assistant on Enterprise Development, Dr. Babangida Kabir Ruma, at the grand ceremony.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Ruma highlighted the transformative impact of the Katsina State MSME Development Policy and the establishment of Katsina Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA) which have been instrumental in providing crucial financing and support to numerous entrepreneurs across the state.
“This prestigious recognition from Nairametrics, a respected voice in Nigeria’s economic landscape, serves as a testament to Katsina State’s unwavering commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, contributing significantly to job creation and economic resilience,” Dr. Ruma asserted.
He further emphasized that Governor Radda’s administration is deeply committed to empowering MSMEs, with a strong focus on providing access to finance, capacity building, and comprehensive business development services.
The MSMEs Finance Award 2024 by Nairametrics recognizes individuals and institutions that have made significant strides in promoting financial inclusion, access to finance, and enterprise development for small businesses.
Under Governor Radda’s visionary leadership, Katsina State has implemented a series of groundbreaking initiatives aimed at enhancing access to financial resources for MSMEs, including forging strategic partnerships with development finance institutions and implementing robust capacity-building programs
Governor Radda has made MSME development a cornerstone of his economic agenda, ensuring that small businesses have the tools, resources, and opportunities needed to grow and succeed in today’s competitive landscape. His administration’s achievements in this regard continue to receive national and international recognition, positioning Katsina State as a leader in MSME development in Nigeria.
This award not only celebrates the Governor’s personal commitment but also recognizes the collective efforts of the Katsina State Government in fostering an environment conducive to MSME growth and sustainability. Other recipients of the awards include, Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), Flutterwave, Heir Insurance, FCMB, Sterling, Wema Bank, Jaiz Bank among others.
Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State