The Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) says 84 individuals and organisations are to receive its Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) impact awards.
A statement issued on Friday by the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of NASME, Dr Abdulrashid Yerima, described the MSMEs impact awards as part of activities lined up to mark the association’s 25th anniversary.
Yerima said that the recipients would be honoured for making remarkable impacts in their various fields of entrepreneurial development.
According to him, the lecture and awards night is scheduled for Nov. 12 at the Ibom ICON Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo.
“Africa’s prominent business promoter, Mr Tony Elemelu, Gov. Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom, Amb. Maryam Katagum and the Dangote Foundation have been nominated for the distinguished impact awards by NASME.
“Also among those to receive the prestigious impact awards are 84 other individuals and organisations who have made remarkable impacts in their various fields of entrepreneurial development.
According to Yerima, the aim of the award is to stimulate entrepreneurship consciousness and reward innovation, creativity and hard work among Nigerians in spite the odds.
He said, “Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as special guest of honour would confer the awards on the recipients in Uyo.
“While Mr Jean Bankole, the Country Representative of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) will be the keynote speaker.’’
Yerima further said that MSMEs development was of critical importance to productivity in the realisation of the country’s economic emancipation.
“No nation can be self-reliant and competitive in the international market without the development of the MSMEs sectors of the economy.
“Without MSMEs, no nation can enhance the quality of life of its citizenry as well as be self-reliant and competitive in the market.
“MSMEs is indeed the most important determinant of socio-economic growth, wealth creation, employment generation and overall improved standard of living,” Yerima said.
He expressed NASME’s commitment to the overall socio-economic growth and development of MSMEs as means of improving the standard of living of Nigerians.
“The NASME Award Committee made up of eminent Nigerians from diverse background had, after a thorough screening, recommended 89 individuals and organisations drawn from all sectors of the economy.
“Other award winners are, Leo Stan Ekeh of Konga, Kayode Pitan, Wale Fasanya, Unubiko Foundation, LSETF, Ubadigbo Okonkwo, Jach Rich, Lanre Oniyitan and Degun Agboade.
“Obiora Madu, NPF MFB Limited, SMEDAN, PAWED, NBTI, Opportunities Industrialisation Centre, NIRSAL, Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Bank of Industry (BOI) and Bank of Agriculture (BOA).
“Other organisations include, Konga, UBA, Ecobank; Access Bank; Fidelity Bank, Wema Bank, Delta State Government, Bauchi and Borno State Governments,’’ Yerima said.
