Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has been honoured as the 2025 Best Governor in Enterprise and Investment Promotion at the 5th SME Business Awards, celebrating his administration's strong support for entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth.
The awards, hosted by the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria (ASBON) in Lagos, also recognized the Ogun State Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency as the Most Vibrant State Investment Promotion Agency.
Additionally, Ms. Sola Arobieke, the Governor's Special Adviser on Investment and Deputy Director General of OgunInvest, was named SME Hero in Public Service for her efforts in empowering small businesses and promoting innovation in governance.
During a panel themed "Sustainable Business Practices: The New Competitive Advantage for SMEs," Arobieke emphasized the importance of innovation, strategic planning, and public-private collaboration in building resilient and competitive SMEs.
She highlighted digital tools, funding access, capacity building, and risk management as essential elements for scaling businesses and navigating economic challenges.
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She further stressed the government's role in fostering a supportive business environment through policy, infrastructure, and financial inclusion, while pointing out that digital infrastructure and e-commerce are key enablers for SME growth and market expansion.
Reaffirming Ogun State's dedication to SME development, Arobieke said Governor Abiodun's administration is committed to expanding access to funding, promoting digital transformation, and enhancing enterprise development initiatives.
ASBON President, Dr. Femi Egbesola, praised the contributions of small businesses to Nigeria's economy and called for more targeted support for nano enterprises, particularly through tools like microinsurance to cushion them against economic uncertainties. He lauded both government and private sector actors for backing the nation's small business ecosystem.
