By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Katsina
Katsina state Governor, Umaru Dikko Radda, has disbursed N10 million to 200 local entrepreneurs to mark the International MSME Day 2025.
Governor Radda also unveiled the KASEDA Digital Academy, declaring to the youths that, “we have the funds—come forward and use them.”
Governor Radda reaffirmed his government’s commitment to building a thriving business ecosystem, especially for young people and women in the state.
During the 2025 International MSME Day celebration and the launch of the KASEDA Digital Academy, each of the 200 small business owners got ₦50,000.
Speaking at the event, Governor Radda described the initiative as part of a broader effort to support homegrown enterprise, develop human capital, and boost local economic activity across all 34 Local Government Areas.
“When we came into office, we made a firm decision to make Katsina a hub of enterprise and innovation,” he said. “We know our people are capable. What they need is support, tools, and belief. That is exactly what we are giving them,” he said.
The Governor said his administration has rolled out several interventions—from zero-interest loans and training programmes to infrastructural upgrades—to ensure that even rural entrepreneurs are not left behind.
He explained that over the past year, MSME outreach campaigns have reached deep into communities that previously lacked business support.
“We initiated programs that brought entrepreneurship closer to the people. From Funtua to Baure, from Jibia to Kafur, we ensured no community was left out,” he noted.
One of the day’s highlights was the launch of the KASEDA Digital Academy, a tech-based learning centre designed to equip small business owners with digital skills.
The Governor described the Academy as a game-changer, saying it would “future-proof Katsina’s MSMEs through training in e-commerce, digital marketing, financial literacy, and business strategy.”
Governor Radda also used the opportunity to send a strong message to Katsina’s youth: “We have the funds—step forward and use them. The opportunities are here. We are ready to support your business dreams. But you must take that first step.”
He further announced that the 200 vendors selected during this year’s MSME Fair and Clinic will each receive ₦50,000 in business grants.
In his words: “This isn’t just a thank-you gift. It’s a serious investment to help our small businesses grow and keep our economy moving forward.”
“The recipients will also undergo a two-day capacity-building session focusing on business sustainability, customer service, and innovation.”
Governor Radda ended his remarks by calling on all partners—government agencies, private investors, and financial institutions—to continue supporting MSMEs and helping to remove the barriers that often stand in their way.
“Let’s build a Katsina where no one is too small to succeed,” he added.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), Hajiya A’isha Aminu Malumfashi—represented by Dr. Babangida Ruma, Technical Assistant to the Governor on Enterprise Development—shared the agency’s impact over the past two years.
She revealed that under the “Building Your Future” initiative, KASEDA has supported over 8,000 MSMEs with access to finance, enterprise advisory services, and mentorship.
“The agency facilitated ₦3.4 billion in interest-free loans, conducted the state’s first-ever MSME census (identifying over 600,000 businesses), and mapped more than 50,000 roadside enterprises and informal clusters.
“Notably, the agency trained 3,000 youth mechanics in collaboration with the Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association and helped launch over 1,000 youth-owned startups through capital injection and incubation support,” she said.
The event drew top officials from the executive and legislative arms of government, traditional rulers, business leaders, development partners, and hundreds of entrepreneurs from all parts of the state.