President Bola Tinubu has declared that Nigerians have no reason to live in poverty, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to boosting the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide.
Speaking at the 8th Expanded National MSME Clinic in Calabar on Wednesday—through Vice President Kashim Shettima—Tinubu said Nigeria is blessed with abundant human and natural resources. He noted that Cross River State, with its fertile soil, can cultivate almost any crop, giving it a unique agricultural advantage.
“The Federal Government intends to plant 100 million oil palm trees—more than any other state. Cross River has an advantage,” he said.
Tinubu added that since assuming office, his government has prioritised access to capital and support for ventures that will redefine the future of work, skills, and industry. He commended the Cross River Government for establishing a modern communication and technology hub for MSMEs, describing it as a step in line with global digital trends.
“This hub will give MSMEs affordable access to high-speed internet, modern equipment, and collaborative spaces to learn and innovate,” he said. “The digital world has space for the market woman in Ikom, the furniture maker in Calabar, and the fashion designer in Ogoja, Ugep, or Odukpani.
“Our Renewed Hope Agenda is a commitment to create an environment where MSMEs not only survive but thrive. It’s not just about loans or grants, but building infrastructure and an ecosystem that nurtures creativity and entrepreneurship.”
Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu described the MSME Clinic as a strategic collaboration between the state and the Federal Government to boost entrepreneurship and economic growth. Through the state’s Micro Finance and Enterprise Development Agency, Otu said over 3,500 entrepreneurs have already been trained across various business sectors.
He praised Tinubu’s foresight and pledged the state’s full support for the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Also speaking, Pius Neji, Head of the Bank of Industry (BOI) in Cross River, said the bank remains a strong partner for entrepreneurs. He revealed that the BOI has disbursed about ₦260 million to MSMEs in the state, stressing that “the industrialisation of Cross River can take Nigeria to the next level.”
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