By; Awokeson, Rita
Lokoja, Kogi State | July 13, 2026
In a significant demonstration of his administration’s commitment to enterprise development and economic inclusion, the Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Monday empowered 10,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through the distribution of Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) certificates, the commencement of continuous business registration, the launch of the SMEs Business Support Cooperative, and the unveiling of a ₦100 million grant to support entrepreneurs across the state.
The programme, held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Lokoja, forms part of the State Government’s strategic efforts to formalise businesses, expand access to finance, stimulate entrepreneurship, and accelerate inclusive economic growth in Kogi State.
Declaring the programme open, Governor Ododo, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Elder Comrade Joel Salifu Oyibo, described MSMEs as the backbone of every thriving economy and critical drivers of employment generation, innovation, wealth creation, and sustainable development.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment where businesses can thrive, attract investment, and empower more citizens to become employers of labour.
The Governor noted that business registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission provides entrepreneurs with legal identity while opening access to government interventions, financial services, investment opportunities, and both local and international markets.
“Formalising businesses is not merely a legal requirement; it is a strategic investment in the future of our entrepreneurs and our state’s economy,” the Governor stated.
He congratulated the 10,000 beneficiaries and urged them to uphold the highest standards of integrity, maintain proper financial records, fulfil their tax obligations, and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the state through job creation and responsible entrepreneurship.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of the Kogi State Enterprise Development Agency (KEDA), Hon. Muhammed Kadiri Okeji, said the initiative aligns with Governor Ododo’s vision of building a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem capable of driving sustainable economic growth and improving livelihoods across the state.
He announced that the continuous CAC registration exercise, which commenced at the event, will continue at the KEDA headquarters in Lokoja and designated registration centres across the state to enable more entrepreneurs formalise their businesses and access government support programmes and business development opportunities.
Representing the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hon. Muhammed Muktar Shuaibu, the Secretary of the SME Department, Mrs. Osasona Victoria, described the initiative as a landmark intervention aimed at strengthening the MSME sector and deepening economic diversification in Kogi State.
According to her, “The distribution of CAC certificates formally transforms informal businesses into recognised legal entities, while the launch of the SMEs Business Support Cooperative provides a sustainable platform to nurture, finance and grow those enterprises.”
She noted that the initiative demonstrates the State Government’s commitment to removing barriers confronting traders, artisans, farmers, and other entrepreneurs while creating opportunities for long-term business sustainability.
A major highlight of the programme was the official launch of the SMEs Business Support Cooperative, established to provide post-registration support through access to affordable financing, business advisory services, capacity-building programmes, collective bargaining opportunities, and stronger market linkages for entrepreneurs across the state.
Another highlight of the event was an exhibition by the Kogi Fashion Hub, which showcased an array of locally manufactured products, including premium furniture, leather products, garments, and fashion accessories. The leather collection featured school bags, handbags, travel bags, and other handcrafted items, reflecting the growing capacity of indigenous entrepreneurs.
The Deputy Governor, Elder Comrade Joel Salifu Oyibo, toured the exhibition stands and commended the ingenuity, creativity, and craftsmanship displayed by the exhibitors, describing the products as clear evidence of the immense entrepreneurial potential that exists in Kogi State.
In a major boost for small businesses, Governor Ododo also unveiled a ₦100 million MSME Grant Scheme designed to provide financial support for entrepreneurs, strengthen existing businesses, stimulate enterprise growth, and create more employment opportunities across the state.
He encouraged entrepreneurs to register their businesses, enrol in the SMEs Business Support Cooperative, and take advantage of the numerous opportunities provided by the State Government to expand their enterprises.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry reaffirmed its commitment to sustained collaboration with KEDA, the Corporate Affairs Commission, financial institutions, and development partners towards reducing the cost of doing business and strengthening indigenous enterprises across Kogi State.
Governor Ododo commended the management of KEDA, the Corporate Affairs Commission, development partners, financial institutions, and all stakeholders whose collaboration made the initiative possible.
“As entrepreneurs prosper, families prosper. As businesses grow, communities develop. As communities develop, Kogi State becomes stronger,” the Governor declared.
The event attracted members of the National and State Assemblies, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, representatives of the Corporate Affairs Commission, financial institutions, development partners, captains of industry, business leaders, and other critical stakeholders.
Governor Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises as a strategic pathway to poverty reduction, investment promotion, job creation, wealth creation, and accelerated socio-economic development in Kogi State.
