By SALISU SANI-IDRIS

The Job Creation and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Secretariat (Office of the Vice-President) has announced that the overall winner of the 2025 MSMEs Award will receive a car, a house, a shop, and a cash prize worth N220 million.

Mr Tola Adekunle-Johnson, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, made this known at a press conference on the seventh edition of the National MSMEs Awards on Monday in Abuja.

Adekunle-Johnson also stated that other winners would receive prizes worth over N50 million.

He announced that the application portal would open on Friday, March 7, for prospective MSMEs to apply and upload video clips of their activities, adding that it would remain open until April 7.

“This year, we are going to have MSMEs winning stores, shops, cars, and money. This is the first year where the overall winner will go home with a house, shop, car, and cash prize.

“The screening committee present here feels that we should brief the media and also sensitise MSMEs on what to expect.

“Another unique aspect of this year’s MSMEs Awards is that we have considered businesses run by people living with disabilities.

“We have created a category for them because, as the saying goes, ‘there is ability in disability.’ So, this year will mark the inaugural category for people living with disabilities.

“They will also have the opportunity to compete for all the numerous prizes, just like every other able-bodied person,” he said.

Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), affirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to encouraging and rewarding MSMEs for their contributions to job creation and economic development.

Okeke, who serves as the Secretary of the Awards Screening Committee and was represented by Mrs Phebean Arumemi, Deputy Director and Head of the SMEs Desk at SON.

He stated that si’nifica’t impact had been made over the years in recognising outstanding MSMEs in the country.

“This year’s edition is going to be exceptional. Over time, we have seen eight categories, including agriculture, innovation in Information and Communications Technology (ICT), creative arts, fashion and style, furniture and woodwork, beauty and wellness, manufacturing, and services.

“We also recognise people with disabilities, who have been given a special place in this year’s awards. The screening process itself is very diligent and transparent”.

Dr Tayo Omidiji, General Manager of Strategy and Corporate Communications at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), emphasised that the awards were designed to promote entrepreneurship in the country.

According to him, MSMEs account for about 50 per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and through this programme, their cont’Ibution can be further increased. (NAN)