Charles Odii: The mastermind behind Nigeria’s SME revolution

In a world where innovation and progress are the hallmarks of success, one man is redefining the landscape of Nigeria’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Charles Odii, the dynamic leader of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), is orchestrating a transformative revolution that is empowering entrepreneurs, creating jobs, and driving national growth.

In Charles Odii, the spirit of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda comes alive. Like a master craftsman, Odii is meticulously shaping the building blocks of Nigeria’s economic future, one innovative initiative at a time, to create a vibrant tapestry of prosperity and progress.

With his visionary approach and dedication, Odii has been instrumental in unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s SMEs. His trailblazing strategies and initiatives have been yielding remarkable results, drawing international attention and accolades. Under Odii’s leadership, SMEDAN has evolved into a powerhouse of economic transformation, providing critical support to SMEs and nurturing an ecosystem that inspires entrepreneurship, fosters creativity, and stimulates job creation.
Recognising the imperative of clean energy, Odii has launched a groundbreaking solar-powered garment-making center in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This pioneering facility is designed to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs), providing them with free access to modern garment-making equipment and eliminating the burdens of power costs, machine purchases, and maintenance. Over 120 entrepreneurs benefit from this facility daily, leveraging sustainable and uninterrupted energy supply to drive their businesses forward.

Odii’s visionary approach extends beyond the center’s operations. He has forged strategic partnerships with NIPOST and God Is Good Logistics, offering SMEs discounted distribution rates of 15% and 20%, respectively. This enables seamless delivery of finished products across Nigeria, further amplifying the center’s impact. Indeed, Odii’s initiative is a shining example of his foresight and pragmatism, tackling the pressing challenges faced by SMEs in Nigeria. By providing a sustainable and efficient energy solution, he is unlocking the potential of entrepreneurs, fostering innovation, and contributing to a cleaner, greener future.

Odii has launched a groundbreaking solar-powered garment-making center, which has been replicated in Katsina and Osun States, with plans to expand to all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. This center creates 700 direct and indirect jobs daily, mitigating unemployment and youth restiveness. Odii’s vision is to solidify SMEs as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, positioning the country competitively within the African Continental Free Trade Area. His efforts have already created over 15,000 jobs and facilitated over 7 billion naira in funding for SMEs. He has also secured a 5 Billion Naira Single-Digit Interest Loan through Sterling Bank to empower businesses.

Through his initiatives, Odii has revitalised economic activities in rural areas by providing N50, 000 as Conditional Grant Scheme (CGS) into Nano businesses, creating jobs and supporting families. He has collaborated with State Governments, including Anambra and Enugu, to provide 1 billion naira into MSMEs in each State under a matching fund agreement, further empowering entrepreneurs and fostering economic growth. Odii’s commitment to SME development is evident in his efforts to create a conducive business environment, providing access to finance, markets, and capacity building. His vision for Nigeria’s SME sector is inspiring, and his impact will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.

Odii’s launch of the Green Energy and Climate Change Desk has supported displaced businesses and promoted green energy solutions, addressing environmental challenges impacting businesses. To foster a motivated workforce, Odii constructed a state-of-the-art secretariat with modern work hubs, dedicated staff, and facilities such as a textile and garment hub for fashion businesses and a woodwork and furniture facility for artisans.

He also launched the SMEDAN Undergraduate Internship Program (SUIP) at Baze University, providing students with real-world business experience and resources to start, continue, and scale their businesses. Recognising the importance of women in national growth and development, Odii established the Women and Youth Desk Initiative, granting direct access to opportunities designed for women entrepreneurs.

Furthermore, he created the MSME CLINIC, a weekly one-stop shop where entrepreneurs, regulators, and experienced SME development professionals collaborate to provide mentorship and solutions. He has developed various initiative aimed at promoting farming and food production at the family level, encouraging Nigerians to cultivate a culture of gardening and healthy eating from the comfort of their own homes in consonance with the EveryHomeAGarden of the First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

Charles Odii’s creativity knows no bounds, he has transformed and equipped the workforce into a mobile digitally transformed workplace of efficient and effective workplace, thereby engendering higher productivity, progress tracking, with various social clubs that promote healthy lifestyle, focus, and instil a sense of shared mission and peaceful co-existence.

Charles Odii is an enigma. A rare gem and a replica of what President wanted in the youths of our country. He has shown resilience. He is ubiquitous, touching akll facets and segments of the life of the nation, demonstrating capacity and tenacity of purpose, and proving eloquently and incontrovertibly what happens when innovation meets with passion and both are wed-locked to opportunity. He is indeed the legendary Archimedes’ of our time and have found the answer to national development and economic growth.

Imagine a Nigeria where entrepreneurship is the engine that drives growth, innovation, and prosperity. A Nigeria where small businesses thrive, creating jobs, wealth, and opportunities for all. This is the Nigeria that Charles Odii envisions, and he’s working tirelessly to make it a reality. Through his groundbreaking initiatives, he’s empowering entrepreneurs, fostering innovation, and unlocking the full potential of the SME sector.

In the not-too-distant future, historians will look back on Charles Odii’s legacy and marvel at the transformative impact he had on Nigeria’s economy. They’ll tell stories of how he ignited a spark that fueled a revolution in entrepreneurship, innovation, and growth. And as they reflect on his remarkable journey, they’ll be reminded that even the smallest actions can have a profound impact when driven by vision, passion, and a commitment to creating a better future.

Ochonu is a public affairs analyst writing from Abuja.