Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SME) as the name implies are small businesses which act as catalysts towards the growth of the economy. These businesses employ fewer persons thereby reducing unemployment rate in the society. It is the duty of every responsible government to provide a fertile ground and an enabling economic climate to stimulate the establishment and growth of small / medium scale enterprises. It could not be argued that government exists to serve the people, its many expectations and wealth creation. It is therefore heart warming to observe that the government of Dr. Lawrence Ifeanyichukwu Ugwuanyi has not left anyone in doubt about it’s determination to lift the generality of Ndi Enugu out of poverty via his far reaching policies in wealth creation.
It is important to stress that beyond political rhetoric, Governor Ugwuanyi showed enough character to support the growth of many small scale businesses. he understood early that the best way to keep the restive youths out from social vices is to create an enabling environment to encourage skill acquisition that will lead to the establishment of small businesses that ultimately drive economic growth.
Aside the aforementioned, Gov Ugwuanyi diligently established and equipped SME center in Enugu state to harvest the army of youth to train in many life transforming skills that would improve their lot.
It is on good record that Gov Ugwuanyi have at various times provided low interest rate loans (single digit) to businesses in Enugu State no matter the state of origin of the owner. The state government has equally continued to partner with Fidelity Bank to give 7 % interest loan to entrepreneurs.
Few years back special loan package of single digits interest loan was granted traders and industrialists in the state seen as a bold move to stimulate economic growth. There have been agric loan package for farmers in various arms of agriculture. These have benefited many entrepreneurs.
There have been series of training for entrepreneurs on how to raise money to start and manage their businesses via robust partnership with Enugu Chambers of Commerce (ECCIMA). Gov Ugwuanyi had worked with Mr Nnaemeka Agu and is now working with Arinze Chilo Offia as the GM Enugu SME Centre and both are wonderful and seasoned business motivators.
Due to Gov Ugwuanyi drive in SME’s, many markets in Enugu state are expanding. Markets like Afor Awkunanaw market, New Market Enugu, Eke Agbani, Afor Obollo, Eke Ozzi, Oye Emene, Afia Abakpa, 9th mile market, etc all are expanding. This is the fruit of Gburus SME’s drive.
It is also a good way of engaging the youths, the idol minds and harnessing creative minds thereby fighting crimes and also increasing the IGR of the state. Indeed Enugu State is in the hands of God.
Written by
Leonard Ugwu
Political Analyst,
Media team member of Enugu di n’akachukwu movement
