HOW BUSINESSES BENEFITED FROM THE ACTING PRESIDENT’S VISIT TO ABIA STATE.

#AbiaOnline
By Ikechukwu Iroha.
The visit by the Acting President Prof Yemi Osibanjo SAN, further assured the business community of Federal government readiness to finance business ventures in the State.
The Acting President was on ground to interact directly with artisans, Fabricators and other manufacturers at their exhibition stands.
According to the Professor of Law, “When we now say Aba-made, it means excellence. It shows that we have great ability to do wonderful things and become creators and inventors.
The issue has been on how to assess fund, registrations, remove some conditions as well as increase funding. It therefore informed the decision to bring all the agencies together to a hub center where these things will be discussed”
Business owners also listened to Mr Waheed Olagunju, MD/CEO Bank of Industry.
The timing is key, Bank of Industry(BOI) has returned to Abia State after closing down for over 5 years. Federal Government is seeking a way aimed at reducing some of the stringent conditions that militate against easy access to capital by entrepreneurs.
It therefore means that financing of small scale enterprises and other projects will be less cumbersome.
Protection of small businesses also has been a factor militating against growth of SMEs, the visit created opportunities for questions and deliberations on how to protect SMEs from unhealthy competition arising from price control.
Entrepreneurs leveraged on the opportunity to discuss issues that bother on taxation. The FIRS boss Mr Babatunde Fowler, and some of his directors were on ground to answer questions from participants.
Borrowing, interest rates, foreign exchange, policy thrust of the Federal government and other opportunities opened for businesses to survive in Nigeria formed part of the discussion.
To make registration of business easier, CAC promised to open another office in Aba within the next one month. The commission stated that a business name or limited liability company could be opened via an online platform without the help of a lawyer. This step, business owners applauded since the extra money paid to lawyers will be properly utilized for their businesses.
The Registrar General of Corporate Affairs Commission, Mr Bello Mahmud and other top directors were on ground to guide business owners.
Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (SMEDAN), whose core mandate is to develop and help the growth of Small and Medium Enterprise has started the process of opening an office in the State. The DG and other top officials were present during the interactive session.
“There is nothing like fake wine, it becomes fake when you put another person’s label on it. Once you are have passed all NAFDAC qualifications, properly certified and licensed, then you can call your product any name” Dr. Ikpeazu opined.
Acting DG NAFDAC and other top officials lectured entrepreneurs on what is expected of them. Registration /Licensing of new businesses, other areas of interest were discussed extensively.
Minister for Industries, Trade and Investment, Abia State born Dr. Okechukwu Enelama, Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigeria Export Promotion Council, Mr Segun Awolowo, also encouraged manufacturers in the State. Dr Enelama promised to make sure that Federal Government assists and opens opportunities for growth of businesses in Abia State.
Dr Ikpeazu presented a box filled with made in Aba products to the Acting President.
Earlier, same kindness was extended to the Minister for health, Minister of State for health and Permanent Secretary, Federal ministry of health, when the Governor hosted them at the Government house, when the visited the Governor during the 59th National Council on Health Conference that was concluded yesterday at the magnificent International Conference Center in Umuahia.
The campaign for locally made products has paid off in no small measure. I heard many participants from different states enquire about how to get the products across to them.
The Wife of the Governor, Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu was part of the event. Her sense of hospitality remains unequalled. She presented a home grown African Star apple (Udara) to the Acting President as a way of saying welcome to Abia State.
Abia small and medium sized business owners have never experienced the kind of attention they are getting.
Both in Material goods, fruits and food, everyone has keyed into the drive for locally made goods. Soon, Abia State Rice will flood the market.
Kudos to our Amiable Governor.