The Vice-President Kashim Shettima, says Small, Micro and Medium-Sized Enterprises, SMMES, should not be neglected in the country so as to ensure robust economic emancipation.
He stated this in Bauchi on Saturday while declaring open the 15th North-East Joint Trade Fair with the theme: ‘Entrepreneurship Development as Remedy for Youth Restiveness’.
According to him, SMMEs account for nearly 96 per cent of all businesses in Nigeria, saying “as such, we can not afford to neglect such a segment of our economy.
“The North-East sub-region of Nigeria constitutes nearly one third of the total land mass of this country and I believe that in spite of all our challenges, where there is a will, there is always a way.
“I want to thank our governors and our chambers of commerce for devoting their time, energy and resources towards organizing this befitting trade fair and our special kudos towards our Chief Host, the governor of Bauchi,” he said.
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno, who is also the Chairman, North-East Governors’ Forum said that the fair was the beginning of exploitation of untapped potential in the region.
Mr Zulum said, “That will also give the region an opportunity to showcase agricultural potentials such as different varieties of crops and how they are produced in the region.
“The governors of the North East region have taken the decision to promote regional cooperation and integration.of such programs like the trade fair.
“There we are ever ready to provide all necessary support and commitment to drive such activities forward.”
He said the forum has also taken a decision to promote development in the region by providing technical and skills acquisition centres to tackle youth restiveness.
NAN
