The Kaduna State Government has unveiled a business initiative for talented youths in the state.

The business initiative tagged, ‘Buy and Sell initiative for the talent’, was a programme designed to boost human capital development in the state through Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Declaring the programme open on Thursday, the deputy governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, said it was part of the state government’s initiatives to boost human capital development.

Balarabe said the government has established the Kaduna State Enterprise Development Agency and Kaduna State Women Empowerment Fund to build the capacity of small and medium enterprises and empower citizens, especially women and youths.

The deputy governor further expressed the continued support of the government toward improving the MSMEs in the state, noting that MSMEs were recognised as one of the major contributors to the economies of most nations in the world.

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Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo, appreciated the organisers for the initiative, interest, and passion for promoting trade through buying and selling.

Adebayo, who was represented by Sadiq Bako, described trade as one of the key mandate of the ministry, which he said was largely supported by MSMEs.

The minister pledged support to the initiative in view of the big role MSMEs play in the growth of the Nigerian economy.

According to him, MSMEs are responsible for driving innovation and competition in many sectors of the country’s economy.

He said the new initiative would go a long way in creating jobs at relatively low capital cost, especially in the fast-growing services.

Adebayo added that it would reduce income disparities and provide opportunities for developing new technological approaches.

On her part, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning,  Zainab Ahmed, urged business owners to seek more opportunities to grow their businesses.

She said they should strive to grow local businesses to bigger visions, tapping opportunities in the supply chain at national and international levels.

The minister, who was represented by her Special Assistant, Hauwa Yahaya, noted that no matter how small and insignificant the service-related business appeared, it would go a long way in improving the economy.

The Star