AMBODE CHARGES FG, STATES TO DIVERSIFY ECONOMY FOR GROWTH.{PHOTO}.

     Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday charged the Federal and State Governments to focus on strengthening all agents of economic change towards increasing the capacity to diversify the nation’s economic base, create jobs and provide equitable opportunities for millions of Nigerians.

The Governor who gave the assurance through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tunji Bello at the opening ceremony of the Lagos State edition of the National MSME Clinic held at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere added that the present administration sees and treats MSME as the engine of growth and development.

He assured Lagosians that the two days edition of the National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) would close the gap between Lagos entrepreneurs and several government agencies, especially at the Federal level.

In his words: “Lagos State Government had always been a trailblazer in entrepreneurship and small enterprise development”.

Ambode noted that in times past, little attention was paid to the need of MSMEs, adding that as a result of lack of support and incentives, most small-scale businesses have either collapsed or are operating below their optimum capacity and therefore could not make the expected impact on the economy.

The Governor, therefore, urged all participants to take the clinic seriously because it would not only create new insights for Entrepreneurs, Government and Agencies but it would also empower the average Nigerian entrepreneur to network and gain more knowledge on strategies for creating sustainable wealth.

“It is my privilege and a great pleasure to be in your midst on this occasion of the Micro, National Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Clinic – Lagos State edition. I would like to appreciate the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) for bringing the National MSME Clinic to our State. It is my pleasure to declare the Clinic open as I welcome you all to enjoy the warmth and hospitality of Lagos State over the next two days”, he said.

Earlier in her remarks, the Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye stated that the Business  Clinic is capable of transforming the fortune of several businesses as all the Federal Government Agencies present are ready to assist entrepreneurs.She charged all participants to interact actively and take optimum advantage of the Federal Government agencies present at the ceremony.