ESIPO targets more MSMEs to address inequalities, community development

Managing director, Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), Mr Kelvin Uwaibi has scored the Obaseki-led administration and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) high for her invaluable partnership in fostering the growth of Medium, Small & Micro Enterprises (MSMEs) in Edo State. 

Uwaibi also called on Edo people both at home and abroad to invest in their homeland to contribute to the development of the state, noting that, “working together, we can make Edo state a shining example of what can be achieved through cooperation and dedication.”

Uwaibi while speaking at a session with the fund coordinator, said, “with the UNDP grant, the Edo state government has been able to make significant progress towards creating a great Edo state that we can all be proud of.”

He said the state government and UNDP partnership has recorded achievements, particularly in the area of growing Medium, Small & Micro Enterprises (MSMEs).

“We cannot do it alone – we need more investors from around the world to consider investing in Edo state. We also encourage Edolites both home and abroad to invest in their homeland. By working together, we can make Edo state a shining example of what can be achieved through cooperation and dedication,” Uwaibi said.

Acting Managing Director Edo State Skills Development Agency (Edojobs), Mrs Anita Eribo added that, “I would like to thank the United Nations Development Program for their generous support of this grant program. Because of them, we have been able to improve the lives of our citizens and make progress towards a better future.

“We are humbled by their dedication and commitment, and the impact of this intervention extends beyond economic empowerment.

“By supporting MSMEs, we are also addressing social inequalities and fostering community development. Many of the beneficiaries of the grant are women and youth entrepreneurs whose success stories inspire others and contribute to the overall social fabric of our society.”

Uwaibi hailed the UNDP and the Obaseki-led government for the collaborative effort with Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), Edo State Skills Development Agency (Edojobs), Ministry of Business, Trade and Cooperatives (MBTC), and other relevant business entities for facilitating the disbursement of a grant totalling 300 million naira to 3,000 MSMEs across Edo state to cushion the adverse effect of socio-economic challenges.