In a major boost to grassroots entrepreneurship, the Federal Government has disbursed ₦250,000 each in unconditional grants to outstanding small business owners in Ondo State.
The initiative was unveiled on Tuesday in Akure, the Ondo State capital, as Vice President Kashim Shettima officially launched the 7th edition of the Expanded National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Clinics.
According to a statement by the Vice President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, the grants represent a tangible demonstration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and resilient economy by supporting micro and small-scale enterprises across the country.
Speaking at the launch event, Shettima emphasized the crucial role small businesses play in the nation’s economy, describing them as “the silent architects of survival.”
He highlighted that MSMEs make up over 90 percent of businesses in Nigeria, contribute more than 45 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and provide employment for over 60 million Nigerians.
The MSME Clinics, he said, were created to bridge the gap between small business owners and government institutions by offering a direct platform for engagement, problem-solving, and collaboration. He added that the Ondo edition offers a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to interface with regulatory bodies, financial institutions, and business support organisations.
The program is part of the administration’s broader economic strategy to empower local businesses, reduce unemployment, and stimulate sustainable development at the grassroots level.
