Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun says efforts are in top gear to establish a private-sector focused agency to be known as Ogun State Enterprise Development Agency (OGSEDA), that will develop sustainable Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), to aid business growth and enhance competitiveness.

Governor Abiodun revealed this in Abeokuta, during a two-Day public-private discussion on the establishment of the Agency, stating that the government had entered into a partnership with the German Agency for Development (GIZ), to set it up before the end of the year.

Represented by the Chief Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, the Governor added that work was ongoing to enact a law that would establish OGSEDA, to make it operate sustainably and further build on the gains recorded through the Executive order he signed in 2019 for the establishment of the Agency.

Abiodun explained that the main focus of the Agency would be in four areas which include, business advisory on bankable feasibility, business mentorship and others, capacity building and outreach, facilitating access to finance and policy advocacy.

He said, “OGSEDA, when established will help in repositioning the MSMEs sub-sector to contribute towards an all-round socio-economic development of the State, by improving the standard of living of the citizens through job and wealth creation, increase the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and boost the State’s revenue”.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe stated that OGSEDA would aid the growth of MSMEs through capacity building, position MSMEs to access funds, provide market linkages and encourage more people to start their businesses.

In his contribution, the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Industry, Trade and Investment, Hon. Shola Adams assured that the House of Assembly would expedite action on the passage of OGSEDA Bill into Law, as well as ensure that members of the public were allowed to air their views on the Bill.