SMEDAN Secures N1bn Matching Funds to Support SMEs.

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has secured a ₦1 billion matching fund from the Katsina State Government to boost small businesses in the state.

The matching fund pact with the state kicked off this quarter with an initial injection of ₦250 million from the state government. The pact was signed at the agency’s headquarters during the visit of Katsina State Governor, Dr Dikko Umaru Radda, to SMEDAN Director-General, Charles Odii, in Abuja.

The agreement marked another milestone of Odii’s ongoing efforts to facilitate financial access for SMEs nationwide. The pack is similar to agreements previously signed with the Anambra and Enugu state governments.

Disbursement of the funds will be available to SMEs at single-digit interest loans to address the problem of expensive access to capital and expansion funds.

Speaking at the event, Odii thanked Radda, who served as the DG of the agency for six years before he emerged as governor, for his continuous commitment to the agency’s mission.

He highlighted the two parties’ shared vision of driving national prosperity through SME growth, describing small businesses as the bedrock of the country’s economy.

“The potential of SMEs in Nigeria to drive lasting growth and prosperity is undeniable. The evidence of their resilience and innovative brilliance is all around us and the government’s support remains crucial for their success,” Odii said.

Radda also highlighted the importance of SMEs to national growth and their central role in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic agenda.

Tinubu Appoints Chioma Awuzie Substantive Rector, Fed Poly Oko

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie as the substantive Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State. Dr. Awuzie's appointment, which takes effect immediately for a five-year term, follows the recommendation of the Polytechnic's Governing Council, chaired by Sen. Dr. Barnabas Gemade, after a transparent and competitive selection process where she emerged as the leading candidate. Prior to her appointment, Awuzie, who holds a Doctorate Degree in Physical and Materials Chemistry, was a distinguished Chief Lecturer in the Department of Science Laboratory Technology (Chemistry Option) and also Director in-charge of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Projects in the Polytechnic. Under her stewardship, Federal Polytechnic, Oko, witnessed unprecedented advancements in infrastructure and institutional transformation. Her leadership facilitated monumental developments across the Polytechnic’s campuses in Oko, ...

#Watchvideo : SECURITY FORCES BURST THE CAMP OF UNKNOWN GUNMEN IN AKOKWA

Security Forces in the state through a coordinated intelligence report has bursted the camp of the unknown gunmen at Akokwa, Arondizuogu after a long gun duel which resulted to the death of some of the criminals and others arrested. These criminal elements have been known to be behind several attacks in the state such as the killing of police men in Mbaise, Aba Branch in Ehime Mbano, burning down of police stations, attack and attempted kidnapping of former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, abduction of Miss. P.P. Johnson, a female soldier in Okigwe and recently the attack in Akokwa that left many dead. It is obvious that these daredevil gunmen have been perpetuating their evil plans unabated until yesterday when their camp was bursted by security agencies. This is another assurance that our security operatives are leaving no stone unturned in the fight against banditry and other related activities. While it has become obvious that the activities of these non state actors are politically motivate...

Valentine Ozigbo Resigns from Labour Party

In a shocking move, against all speculations over the last few days, Valentine Ozigbo, a close ally of Peter Obi, has announced his resignation from the Labour Party (LP). Ozigbo confirmed his decision to Diaspora Digital Media on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, but declined to provide further details, opting instead to share his reasons during an interactive session on X (Twitter) Space. The session, scheduled for 8 PM, will feature Ozigbo in conversation with Anambra's First Son, @uchepokoye, discussing pressing issues affecting Anambra State, including security challenges, societal fabric collapse, and the hope for a better future. Ozigbo's resignation has sparked interest, with many awaiting his detailed explanation for leaving the Labour Party. His decision comes at a critical time for the party, which has been navigating various challenges in recent months. Credit: Diaspora Digital Media

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