KATSINA: Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to building a thriving business ecosystem, especially for young people and women.
This was made clear during the 2025 International MSME Day celebration, where the Governor launched the KASEDA Digital Academy and disbursed ₦50,000 each to 200 small business owners.
In his address at the event, Radda described the initiative as part of a broader effort to support homegrown enterprise, develop human capital, and boost local economic activity across the 34 LGAs.
“When we came into office, we made a firm decision to make Katsina a hub of enterprise and innovation. We know our people are capable. What they need is support, tools, and belief. That is exactly what we are giving them.”
The Governor said his administration has rolled out several interventions from zero interest loans and training programs 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.
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.
Said he, “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 called on all partners, government agencies, private investors, and financial institutions to continue to support MSMEs and help remove the barriers that often stand in their way.“Let’s build a Katsina where no one is too small to succeed.”
Earlier, the Director-General of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), Hajiya A’isha Aminu Malumfashi represented by Dr. Babangida Ruma, the 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”.
Similarly, she added that the agency has 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.
Highlight of the event was the launch of the KASEDA Digital Academy, a tech-based learning centre designed to equip small business owners with digital skills.