The Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has been honoured with the prestigious MSME Friendly Governor Award 2024 at the National MSME Awards ceremony held at the Aso Presidential Villa.

The award, presented on behalf of the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, recognizes Governor Radda’s outstanding commitment and innovative approaches to fostering MSME development in Katsina State.

This was contained in a statement by Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State.

In his presentation on Thursday, Senator Hadejia lauded Governor Radda’s remarkable achievements, citing several key initiatives that have transformed the MSME space in Katsina State. He noted the establishment of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), creation of a N10 billion MSME Growth Fund, including collaborations with BOI.

Other initiatives are the provision of Common Facility Centres in the three Senatorial Districts for MSMEs, the launch of the Dikko BDS Corp to provide business advisory services and the implementation of MSME Census and Survey for data-driven interventions among notable others.

Senator Hadejia noted that Governor Radda’s success in this area comes as no surprise, given his exemplary performance as the former Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

Accepting the award, Governor Radda expressed his gratitude and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to MSME development.

“This award is not just a recognition of our past efforts, but a motivation to do even more,” Governor Radda stated.

“We are dedicated to creating an enabling environment where every entrepreneur in Katsina State can thrive and contribute to our economic growth.

“I appreciate the Vice President and the Chairman of the National Economic Council, Sen. Kashim Shettima for given the countrys economic circle the needed attention to drive the growth and development,” Governor Radda added.

The MSME Friendly Governor Award 2024 stands recognizes Governor Radda’s visionary leadership and his administration’s innovative approach to economic development through MSME empowerment.