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The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has assured that his government will continue to provide the right ambient for the continued growth of small businesses in the state.
Governor Ikpeazu who was receiving the president National Council of Nigerian Stock Exchange, Otumba Abimbola Ogunbanjo and his team at Government House Umuahia,noted that his administration upon assumption of duty identified and tackled challenges facing SMEs in the state including Power, Infrastructure, manpower, market and Automation.
The Governor who said that Abia artisans are resolute in in leather and garment works, said that the thirty Shoe makers sent to China by his administration for automation are currently test -running the first Automated Shoe factory procured and installed in the state by his administration.
Governor Ikpeazu commended the National Council of Nigeria Stock Exchange for raising a platform through which business owners can access financial support and stated the partnership of Abia state government towards their intervention in the state.
Earlier, the President National Council of Nigerian Stock Exchang, Otumba Abimbola Ogunbanjo said that the body recognizes Abia as the home of SMEs, adding that the Nigerian economy can not flourish without the indelible role of small and medium scale with special reference to Abia state.
He lauded the efforts of the Governor Okezie Ikpeazu administration in promoting the growth of SMEs in the state through seminars and workshops, adding that the National Council of Nigerian stock Exchange is making available financial support to SMEs in Nigeria to cushion the negative effects of the Covid 19 pandemic on small businesses across the country.
The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Sir Ude Okochukwu, the SSG Mr Chris Ezem, the Commissioner for informatio, Chief John Okiyi kalu, his Finance counterpar, Dr Aham Uko, the Chief of Staff to the Governo, Dr ACB Agbazuere among other government functionaries were present during the visit while the team came in company of the major investor Golden Guinea Breweries, Mr Okey Nzenwa.
