Economy
Job creation: How Gov. Radda Emerges 2024 MSME Friendly Governor
By Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
Are you an economic enthusiasts? Are you a lover of youth growth and development? Are you curious to know the trends in the Katsina MSMEs sector? Grab a seat, because I am about to dive into a story that’s as inspiring as it is revolutionary.
You know how they say, “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime”? Governor Dikko Umaru Radda PhD CON of Katsina State is taking that wisdom to a new level. He’s not just teaching people to fish; he’s creating an entire ecosystem of master anglers!
Let me set the scene before you, shall I? Picture Katsina State, a place brimming with untapped potential and eager minds. Now, enter a protagonist, Governor Radda, armed with a vision so bright it could light up the Sahara. His mission? To transform Katsina into a powerhouse of entrepreneurship and innovation. And guess, he’s delivering!
So, what’s the secret sauce behind Governor Radda’s success? It’s simple: he’s not just creating jobs; he’s creating job creators. I am sure you’ll say mind-blowing. Let’s break it down.
First, we’ve got the N5 Billion Katsina State SME Growth Fund. Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Another government fund? Yawn.” But hold your horses! This is a turbo-charged, supercharged collaboration with the Bank of Industry that’s about to send Katsina’s SME sector into hyperdrive. It’s like Governor Radda looked at the SME landscape and said, “You know what this needs? A nitrous oxide boost!”
But wait, there’s more! (And no, I’m not trying to sell you a set of kitchen knives). Enter the Dikko BDS Corp. Imagine having a personal business guru on speed dial. Now multiply that by 136 and spread them across all 34 LGAs. That’s what Governor Radda has done. With this initiative, Governor Radda has created a league of business superheroes, ready to swoop in and save the day.
Now, let’s talk strategy. Because Governor Radda isn’t just throwing spaghetti at the wall and seeing what sticks. Oh no, he’s got a plan, and it’s more precise than a Swiss watch. We’re talking MSME census and cluster mapping. It’s like economic cartography, but instead of “Here be dragons,” it’s “Here be opportunities.”
But the crown jewel in this entrepreneurial extravaganza? The Mechatronics Apprenticeship Support Program (MASP). With a jaw-dropping N3.4 billion investment, this program is set to transform 3,000 young Katsinians into the next generation of tech-savvy entrepreneurs. It’s not just about teaching them to fish; it’s about teaching them to build the next generation of fishing rods!
Remember how I mentioned the N5 Billion SME Growth Fund? Well, that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Governor Radda has set aside a whopping N10 billion for MSME development. Talk about putting your money where your mouth is!
And get this – he’s not just thinking local, he’s thinking global. There’s a N4 billion Export Facilitation Matching Fund with Nexim Bank. That’s right, Katsina’s entrepreneurs are being prepped for the international stage. It’s like Governor Radda is saying, “Why stop at Nigeria when you can conquer the world?”
But it’s not all about the money. Governor Radda understands that sometimes, what entrepreneurs need most is a place to work their magic. That’s why he’s setting up Common Facility Centres in all three Senatorial Districts. Imagine having access to state-of-the-art equipment for tailoring, leather works, packaging, and even ICT. It’s like a playground for grown-ups who mean business!
And for those who are just starting, the Governor hasn’t forgotten you. The Katsina Youth Craft Village is getting a new lease on life. It’s being resuscitated to become a hub for skills acquisition and production. It’s like a nursery for budding entrepreneurs – nurturing the next generation of business leaders.
But what about those in areas affected by security challenges? Governor Radda’s got them covered too. There’s an N542 million Victims Support Matching Livelihood Fund in collaboration with UNDP. It’s not just about business; it’s about rebuilding lives and communities.
And let’s not forget the ladies! The Governor has arranged for the training of 10,000 women across all 34 local government areas. It’s like he’s building an army of female entrepreneurs ready to take on the world.
Last but not least, Governor Radda is thinking long-term. He’s working on developing a Katsina State MSMEs Policy that aligns with the National MSMEs policy. It’s like he’s writing the playbook for sustainable MSME development.
And guess what? The world is taking notice. On the 27th of June, 2024 at the 2024 National MSME Award, Governor Radda didn’t just attend; he owned the show, walking away with the MSME Friendly Governor Award. But for our humble hero, it’s not about the shiny trophies. As he puts it, “Our achievements in the MSME sector are just the beginning. We are committed to doing even more.” Talk about setting the bar high!
From establishing the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA) to injecting N800 million into the Microfinance Bank, Governor Radda is on a mission. He’s turning over every stone, exploring every avenue, and probably inventing a few new avenues along the way.
As we raise a toast to the 2024 International MSME Day, Governor Radda’s message rings loud and clear: “MSMEs are the backbone of our economy and the key to our future prosperity.” And with a track record that reads like an entrepreneur’s wish list, who can argue?
In Governor Radda’s Katsina, the future isn’t just knocking on the door; it’s kicking it down and throwing a party. For the MSMEs of Katsina, this isn’t just a new chapter; it’s a whole new book. A bestseller in the making, if you ask me.
So, there you have it, folks. How Governor Radda is turning Katsina into a job creator’s paradise. It’s not just about employment; it’s about empowerment. It’s not just about surviving; it’s about thriving. And it’s certainly not just about today; it’s about tomorrow, next year, and the decades to come.
Watch this space, because the Katsina MSME revolution isn’t just getting started; it’s about to go supernova. And with Governor Radda at the helm, you can bet your bottom Naira that this is one economic transformation that’s going to keep on giving. So buckle up, Katsina! Your entrepreneurial journey is about to get turbocharged!
Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed is the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Radda
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Economy
Milo intervention empowers Kano tea sellers with business tools
The Nestlé Milo Mai Shayi empowerment programme has continued to receive commendation from stakeholders in Kano, with beneficiaries describing the initiative as a major boost to their small-scale businesses.
The programme, aimed at supporting tea sellers with business tools and resources, provided participants with items including gas cookers, cups and other materials to enhance their daily operations.
Speaking during the programme in Kano, Kannywood actor, Yusuf Sulaiman Bosho, said the initiative would contribute to the growth of tea-selling businesses and improve the livelihoods of operators.
Bosho noted that many small businesses require support to expand, adding that providing essential working tools would encourage beneficiaries to increase productivity.
“Supporting them with tools such as gas cookers, cups and ingredients is really a motivation in their day-to-day businesses,” he said.
He urged other corporate organisations to emulate Nestlé Milo by introducing similar interventions that would support small businesses across the country.
Also speaking, Milo Ambassador, Mansura Isa, said the programme demonstrated the company’s commitment to supporting its customers, particularly those engaged in small-scale enterprises.
Isa encouraged the beneficiaries to make effective use of the materials provided to improve their businesses and create more opportunities within their communities.
She added that more initiatives were being planned by the company to support customers across Nigeria and other parts of Africa.
The Category Manager of Nestlé Milo, Mr Gilbert Teenaboah Koduah, said the company would continue to invest in programmes that promote socio-economic development among its customers.
Koduah explained that the intervention was part of efforts by the company to strengthen businesses and contribute to economic growth at the community level.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to our Correspondent expressed appreciation to Nestlé Milo for the support, saying the items would help them improve their services and increase their earnings.
They pledged to continue patronising the company’s products while maximising the opportunity provided through the empowerment programme.
The event featured the presentation of tea-selling equipment and other gifts to participants.
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Economy
New Kano revenue boss pledges open drive
The newly appointed executive chairman, Kano State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS) Alhaji Bashir Maitama, has pledged to strengthen revenue generation through transparency, accountability, teamwork and innovation.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Head, Corporate Communications of KIRS, Aisha Maigiwa, on Tuesday in Kano.
The statement said the new chairman formally assumed office on Monday, July 20, 2026, following a handover ceremony from the Acting Executive Chairman, Mallam Muhammad Abba Aliyu.
Welcoming Maitama, Aliyu, who is also the Executive Director, Compliance and Enforcement Group, prayed for God’s guidance and wisdom for the new chairman.
He urged members of staff to give the new leadership maximum support and cooperation towards sustaining the growth of internally generated revenue in the state.
In his inaugural remarks, Maitama expressed gratitude to Almighty God for the opportunity to lead the agency, describing his assumption of office as a historic moment.
He appreciated Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf for finding him worthy of the appointment, assuring the governor and people of Kano State of his commitment to delivering on the mandate entrusted to him.
The chairman said he was delighted to join a team of professionals who had contributed immensely to the progress of the Service.
He commended his predecessor for his efforts in strengthening KIRS, saying history would recognise his contributions to the development of the agency.
Maitama also appreciated the Service’s technical partner, Manam Professional Services, for its support towards the transformation of KIRS.
He described his appointment as a collective responsibility and called on management and staff to work together to achieve the objectives of the Service.
The new chairman assured workers of an open, transparent and inclusive leadership style anchored on accountability, teamwork and innovation.
He identified achieving revenue targets, expanding the tax net and deepening the state’s tax base as key priorities of his administration.
Maitama expressed confidence that the targets set for KIRS were achievable, urging staff to embrace creative ideas and innovative solutions in carrying out their responsibilities.
He added that his office would remain open to constructive suggestions and meaningful contributions from staff.
Also speaking, the Executive Director, Revenue Operations Group, Mallam Kassim Ismail, expressed confidence in Maitama’s ability to lead the Service to greater heights.
He pledged the support of his directorate towards achieving the mandate of KIRS.
The event ended with the formal handover of leadership from the Acting Executive Chairman to the newly appointed Executive Chairman.
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Economy
KIRS Commissions Compliance Office, Sets N68 Billion Revenue Target
The Kano State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS) on Tuesday commissioned a new Compliance and Enforcement Office as part of efforts to strengthen tax administration and boost internally generated revenue across the state.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Kano, KIRS Executive Chairman, Dr. Zaid Abubakar, said the office marked a major milestone in the ongoing reforms within the agency.
Dr. Abubakar disclosed that the service initially set a revenue target of N35 billion for the year but has now raised expectations for the compliance and enforcement department to deliver as much as N68 billion.
He said the newly commissioned office would provide staff with a conducive working environment to enhance efficiency and productivity.
“This office is a key component of our service. Previously, the compliance and enforcement team operated from a container facility, but today they now have a befitting environment to work effectively,” he said.
The chairman commended Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for supporting the agency’s reforms and modernization efforts.
“We thank Governor Yusuf for all the political support given to the service. We are also grateful to our technical partners whose contributions have been commendable,” he added.
Dr. Abubakar highlighted a series of infrastructural and technological upgrades by the agency, including the commissioning of the Gyadi-Gyadi Tax Centre and a new call centre to improve taxpayer engagement and service delivery.
He further announced that another tax office in Nassarawa would be commissioned within two weeks to oversee municipal tax operations in the area.
The chairman also noted improvements in operational equipment and digital infrastructure.
He revealed that before the current administration, the agency had only 60 computers, but this number has now increased to over 300.
“We are providing all the necessary equipment for effective service delivery. I urge every staff member to take their responsibilities seriously,” he said.
Dr. Abubakar added that the state government was considering improved welfare packages for revenue service staff, including plans to remove staff remuneration from the mainstream civil service structure and align it with better-performing agencies in states such as Lagos.
“The state governor is committed to improving the welfare package of workers so it can match what is obtainable in states like Lagos,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Director of Revenue Compliance, Muhammad Abba Aliyu, described the commissioning as a major opportunity for staff. He urged workers to adopt a renewed attitude toward their duties and maximise the benefits of the improved working environment.
“This is a golden opportunity for the compliance and enforcement staff. I urge all members to change their attitude from today and double their efforts,” he said.
A representative of Mannan Professional Services, the agency’s technical partners, expressed appreciation for being part of the initiative and voiced confidence that the compliance team would utilise the facility effectively.
In his remarks, Kano State Commissioner of Finance, Dr. Aliyu Danmaraya, represented by Permanent Secretary Amina Yusuf Yargaya, commended the revenue service for its efforts to improve tax compliance and promote state development.
He noted that effective revenue generation remains a key strategy for sustainable economic growth and infrastructure development in Kano State.
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