In a sweeping crackdown on food fraud, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), in collaboration with Big Bull Rice producers, has raided major markets in Port Harcourt, exposing a syndicate involved in the large-scale … Read on blog or Reader SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS Read on blog or Reader NAFDAC raids markets, uncovers fake Big Bull Rice syndicate By sbinsights on March 29, 2025 In a sweeping crackdown on food fraud, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), in collaboration with Big Bull Rice producers, has raided major markets in Port Harcourt, exposing a syndicate involved in the large-scale sale of counterfeit rice. The operation targeted shops in Woji, Mile 3, and Mile 1 markets, where officials discovered stockpiles of fake Big Bull Rice cleverly rebagged to deceive unsuspecting consumers. One shop on the YKC axis of Woji was flagged as a key distribution hub, where empty counterfeit Big Bull Rice bags were found alongside other brands like Cap Rice, Stallion Rice, Tomato Rice, and Mama Pride. During the raid, NAFDAC operatives apprehended a salesgirl, identified as Ogechi Okafor, caught in possession of materials used for rebagging substandard rice. Items seized included sewing and sealing machines, a generator, a stove, industrial thread, and several sacks of already repackaged rice. Read also NAFDAC raids markets, uncovers fake Big Bull Rice syndicate SMEDAN, NSA collaborate to protect small businesses, strengthen economic resilience Ogun State partners with private sector to train one million entrepreneurs President Tinubu signs Investment and Securities Act 2024 into law Manufacturers face rising input costs, squeezing profits amid inflation Pharm. Emmanuel Onogwu, NAFDAC's Rivers State Coordinator, warned consumers about the dangers of counterfeit rice, revealing that fake products often come from dubious sources and may be chemically treated to enhance their appearance. He highlighted key differences between authentic Big Bull Rice and counterfeits, including a unique shiny ribbon across the threaded top, superior bag quality, and an official logo. Over 120 fake bags of rice were seized from more than ten shops and transported to NAFDAC's Zonal Office for further investigation. Officials have vowed to intensify their crackdown to dismantle the counterfeit rice network and bring those responsible to justice. Consumers are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious rice sales to NAFDAC to prevent health risks associated with fake and possibly contaminated food products.

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The Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has engaged in a crucial meeting with the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to address the intersection of national security and economic stabil… Read on blog or Reader SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS Read on blog or Reader SMEDAN, NSA collaborate to protect small businesses, strengthen economic resilience By sbinsights on March 29, 2025 The Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has engaged in a crucial meeting with the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to address the intersection of national security and economic stability. The discussions centered on the urgent need to safeguard small businesses, particularly those operating in vulnerable communities, as a strategy to enhance economic resilience and national security. The DG outlined SMEDAN's commitment to preventing business failures, empowering young entrepreneurs, and positioning Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as catalysts for peace and stability. Read also SMEDAN, NSA collaborate to protect small businesses, strengthen economic resilience Ogun State partners with private sector to train one million entrepreneurs President Tinubu signs Investment and Securities Act 2024 into law Manufacturers face rising input costs, squeezing profits amid inflation Ondo State secures 10,000 hectares for $200 million agriculture project Recognizing the critical role of small businesses in job creation and economic growth, the NSA expressed strong support for SMEDAN's initiatives. He pledged collaborative efforts to create a safer business environment, mitigate security challenges affecting MSMEs, and develop policies that ensure their sustainability. This partnership underscores the government's recognition of MSMEs as vital players in national development and its commitment to fostering an enabling environment for their growth.

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	Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more Do you need a mentor or a miracle? Choose one Olu from MSME Africa Mar 29   READ IN APP   Dear entrepreneur, Let’s be real. Sometimes, running a business feels like waiting for manna from heaven. Sales are slow, customers are ghosting you, and you're one more “Dear Valued Customer” email away from giving up. At this point, you start considering a 40-day fasting challenge or looking for a “prophetic business breakthrough” session. But hear me out—maybe what you need isn’t a miracle. Maybe you just need a mentor. Thanks for reading MSME Africa Pulse! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. Pledge your support Mentorship is of immense value and I will always advise every entrepreneur to have at least one mentor. However, you should note these points so you don’t go about the whole mentorship thing the wrong way: Mentors Are Not Magicians: A mentor won’t wave a wand and make your business the next big thing overnight. If that were the case, we’d all be billionaires by now. A mentor is there to share insights, help you avoid costly mistakes, and guide you through the jungle that is entrepreneurship, not to perform financial miracles. Faith Without Works Is Dead (Even in Business): Many entrepreneurs pray for success but don’t take strategic steps. “God, send me customers” sounds good, but have you worked on your pricing, marketing, and business model? A mentor will help you refine these things, but you must be willing to put in the work. Look for Mentorship, Not a Financial Sponsor : Some entrepreneurs hear “mentor” and immediately think “potential investor.” My dear, mentorship is not a cash giveaway program. Approach mentors for guidance, not handouts. A good mentor will teach you how to generate revenue, not just transfer some into your account. Mentors Can Save You from ‘Village People’ Mistakes: Not all business failures are spiritual attacks, some are just bad decisions. Wrong pricing, poor marketing and ignoring customer feedback are some of the things a mentor could have warned you about. Before blaming your village people, get advice from someone who has walked the path before. Take the Advice and Run With It: Getting a mentor is one thing; listening is another. Some people collect mentorship like fashion accessories but never apply the lessons. Don’t be that entrepreneur who asks for help but still does whatever they feel like. Take action, make changes, and let the results speak. Your business doesn’t need a miracle as much as it needs the right guidance. A mentor can help you scale faster, avoid common pitfalls, and make better decisions. Seek wisdom, put in the effort, and success will come, not magically, but strategically. Now go forth and get mentored! 🚀 Here’s what I have for you today: Trending Business News Opportunities Galore Fun Facts about Entrepreneurship Some Resources for you Trending Business News SMEDAN Empowers Young Entrepreneurs in Agriculture, Tech, and Entertainment Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has launched a talent initiative to discover and support young Nigerians in agriculture, technology, and entertainment. This program offers aspiring entrepreneurs a platform to showcase their skills while receiving essential training and business support. Read more IMF Appoints Tony Elumelu to Advisory Council on Entrepreneurship and Growth The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has appointed Heirs Holdings Founder and Group Chair, Tony O. Elumelu, to its Advisory Council on Entrepreneurship and Growth. Convened by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, the council brings together global business leaders, policymakers, and academics to identify regulatory barriers to entrepreneurship and recommend policies that drive innovation and sustainable economic growth. Get more details HERE Santander and Dentsu to Launch Digital Platform for Global SME Growth Santander Corporate and Commercial Banking is teaming up with global business transformation firm Dentsu to develop a digital platform that will help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) expand internationally. More details Here Kenya-Nigeria Trade Mission Strengthens Intra-African Trade Ties The initiative reflects a broader push to deepen intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to eliminate barriers and enhance economic cooperation across the continent. Read more Ripple Partners with Chipper Cash to Boost Crypto-Powered Remittances in Africa Ripple, a leading provider of crypto-powered payment solutions, has partnered with Chipper Cash to enhance cross-border transactions into Africa. The collaboration will integrate Ripple Payments, a blockchain-based solution designed to make international money transfers faster, cheaper, and more efficient. Get more details HERE Opportunity Galore Call For Applications: CcHUB, Gates Foundation Digital Public Infrastructure Partner Ecosystem Program ($20,000 Product Integration Grant) This project aims to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to tackle systemic challenges and create transformative opportunities across key sectors such as health, education, agriculture, public service delivery, and women empowerment. .Get more details and Apply today Call for Applications: ACFM Agri-SME Support Program: Seed Lab 2025 The Seed Lab is a comprehensive, cohort-based capacity building initiative crafted by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Open Capital. Leveraging decades of experience supporting Agri-SMEs across Sub-Saharan Africa. Get more details here. Call For Applications: MarkHack 4.0 For Entrepreneurs, and Startups (Up to $10,000 prize pool) MarkHack is Nigeria’s first-ever marketing and media conference, designed as a collaborative gathering of innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, media practitioners, and marketing professionals. This dynamic event aims to create impactful solutions to real-life challenges in the marketing and media sectors within two months. Get more details HERE Call For Applications: Greentech Africa 2025 Accelerator Program For Startups in Africa Greentech Africa 2025is an investment-readiness accelerator program that will support 10-15 startups in Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa with innovative solutions for sustainable development. Get more details here. Call For Applications: Llama Impact Grant for Startups and Researchers in Africa (Up to $20,000 grant) Are you a startup founder or researcher based in Sub-Saharan Africa with a vision to use AI for social good? Meta, in collaboration with Data Science Africa, is thrilled to introduce the Llama Impact Grant, a unique grant opportunity designed to empower local innovators leveraging cutting-edge artificial intelligence to address regional challenges.. Get more details and apply HERE You can access many more opportunities HERE Fun Facts about Entrepreneurship Did you know that the first food processing business is believed to be ancient grain milling, which dates back to around 6,000 BC in ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). The earliest mills were manual, using stones to grind grains into flour. This innovation marked the beginning of food processing, allowing for more efficient food production and paving the way for modern agriculture and food industries. They used simple grinding stones (querns and mortars) to turn harvested grains into flour for bread and other foods. Over time, they developed larger mills powered by animals, water, and later wind, laying the foundation for modern food processing. Some Resources For You How to raise funds for your SME through Equity Financing Brand Loyalty is never enough Monetizing Your Supply Chain Data _______________________________________ For more news, opportunities, resources, and other items, kindly visit: www.msmeafricaonline.com Follow us on social media: YouTube , Instagram, Twitter (X), Facebook, LinkedIn Join other Entrepreneurs across Africa in the MSME Africa Community HERE Till next time Olu, MSME Africa Thanks for reading MSME Africa Pulse! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. Pledge your support MSME Africa Pulse is free today. But if you enjoyed this post, you can tell MSME Africa Pulse that their writing is valuable by pledging a future subscription. You won't be charged unless they enable payments. 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