The Federal Government has announced that the most outstanding micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) in Nigeria will receive a house, store, and cash prize totaling N220 million in the 2025 National MSME Awards.Apart from the grand prize, winners i… Read on blog or Reader SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS Read on blog or Reader FG unveils N220m grand prize for top MSME in 2025 awards By Busola Bamidele on March 5, 2025 The Federal Government has announced that the most outstanding micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) in Nigeria will receive a house, store, and cash prize totaling N220 million in the 2025 National MSME Awards. Apart from the grand prize, winners in other categories will each receive cash and property rewards worth N50 million. The selection process is expected to be rigorous, ensuring that only the best among thousands of applicants emerge victorious. Entries for the online business pitch contest will open from March 7 to April 7, 2025, across 10 award categories. The 2024 edition attracted 70,000 entries, contributing to the government's job creation agenda. Tola Adekunle-Johnson, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, reaffirmed that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's commitment to small business growth. Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, disclosed that N55.657 billion was disbursed to manufacturers and MSMEs in 2024 as part of a N200 billion Presidential Intervention Fund to boost job creation. Stakeholders, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), NEXIM Bank, and Access Bank Plc, emphasized the importance of quality, regulatory compliance, and value addition in selecting winners.

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The Oyo State Government has trained 180 traders and artisans in leadership skills to strengthen the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the state. The leadership training and business insurance launch, held at the Federal Gover… Read on blog or Reader SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS Read on blog or Reader Oyo Govt trains traders, artisans on leadership, business insurance By Busola Bamidele on March 5, 2025 The Oyo State Government has trained 180 traders and artisans in leadership skills to strengthen the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the state. The leadership training and business insurance launch, held at the Federal Government Secretariat, Ibadan, drew participants from the 33 local government areas. Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives, and Industry, Honourable Adeniyi Adebisi, represented by Assistant Director of Trade, Mr. Olawale Olanrewaju, said the initiative was designed to educate traders and artisans on the importance of insurance policies and financial security. Read also: Oyo Govt trains traders, artisans on leadership, business insurance FG launches DBI global certificate programme to boost digital skills AfDB, PAFO collaborate to improve smallholder farmers' access to finance Oyo Governor promises agricultural innovation for growth Govt urged to support farmers, launches NEEP He highlighted that the state has introduced a single-digit interest loan scheme for traders and artisans in the 2025 budget, easing access to funding with minimal collateral. Babaloja General of Oyo State, Alhaji Y.K. Abass, commended the government's commitment, stressing that leadership and insurance are crucial for business sustainability. The training covered leadership strategies, business insurance for future stability, and crisis management, reinforcing the state's support for MSMEs.

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The Federal Government has launched the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) Global Certificate Licensing Programme to equip Nigerians with the digital skills required for the modern economy. The initiative aims to bridge the country's growing digital s… Read on blog or Reader SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS Read on blog or Reader FG launches DBI global certificate programme to boost digital skills By Busola Bamidele on March 5, 2025 The Federal Government has launched the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) Global Certificate Licensing Programme to equip Nigerians with the digital skills required for the modern economy. The initiative aims to bridge the country's growing digital skills gap and position Nigeria as a leader in the global digital economy. Speaking at the launch, Dr. Niran Oyekale, Chairman of Commit Technology and Consult Ltd, highlighted the urgent need for Nigeria to take proactive steps in digital skills development. He cited a projected global shortfall of 85 million skilled workers, estimated to be worth $8.5 trillion, and warned that failure to address the gap could leave Nigeria lagging in the digital revolution. Read also: FG launches DBI global certificate programme to boost digital skills AfDB, PAFO collaborate to improve smallholder farmers' access to finance Oyo Governor promises agricultural innovation for growth Govt urged to support farmers, launches NEEP Abia Govt gives lawmakers local trucks, backs manufacturing Oyekale emphasized that traditional degrees alone no longer guarantee employment, as most future jobs will be skills-based. He noted that "digital literacy is now the minimum requirement for employment in today's economy," yet Nigerian universities and higher education institutions are not adequately equipping graduates with these essential skills. The Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), established in 2004 as the training arm of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), is set to play a crucial role in reversing this trend. The institute will provide ICT and digital training to ensure Nigerian youth and professionals are globally competitive. With Nigeria's large and youthful population, experts believe the country has the potential to become a major hub for digital talent—if the right investments in skills development are made. The new DBI programme is expected to be a key driver in preparing Nigerians for the digital future.

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