BY JOHNMARK UKOKO
Ogun State government in partnership with the Federal Government has commenced the distribution of free Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) certificates to over 6,500 successful Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), who applied through the formalisation track of the MSMEs Survival Fund.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony in Abeokuta to herald the distribution to the beneficiaries drawn from the 20 councils of the state, Governor ‘Dapo Abiodun said his administration remained committed to supporting MSMEs to enable the state key into Federal Government’s survival fund towards increasing productivity and output of micro enterprises.
The governor, who was represented by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tokunbo Talabi, said the state had embarked on the distribution of grants to artisans and business owners in recent times.
He lamented that in spite of government’s efforts, a lot of business owners could have benefited from the programme, but for lack of registration saying: “That is why we have put this together to facilitate the registration process and create wealth for MSMEs, especially those that cannot afford it.”
The governor assured small business owners and artisans that his administration would continue to leverage various economic reforms to create more business opportunities for them.
He urged the beneficiaries to seize the opportunity to educate and encourage other business owners around them to key into the policy towards engendering inclusive growth.
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Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe, said the distribution of the free CAC certificate was significant to the agenda of the Abiodun-led administration.
“The formalisation supports scheme is a initiative geared towards supporting vulnerable MSMEs to register their business names formally, reduce the adverse effect of COVID- 19 pandemic and safeguard jobs,” she added.
Longe assured that the over 6,500 certificates approved quota for Ogun State would be delivered to the beneficiaries, saying that the collection process continues until all selected entrepreneurs were attended to.
Also speaking, Special Adviser to the Governor on Industry, Trade and Investment Remi Ogunmefun, said the certificates would advance business of the beneficiaries and avail them various benefits of business formalisation, which include business development support and access to low -rate loans.
Ogunmefun urged the beneficiaries to also register their businesses in the state’s MSMEs, bank to enable them to enjoy other benefits available to small business.
In her goodwill message, Ogun State Coordinator of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Mrs. Olukemi Famous-Cole, said the commission would ensure that the total approved quota for the state was produced.
Some of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Olayinka Shittu of Ade Curbe Catering and Rental Services, as well as Ademola Aina of Adewale Crown Gas Enterprises, commended the Federal and Ogun State government for the free CAC certificates and requested that the gesture to be extended to other entrepreneurs, who were yet to benefit from the programme.
