… Partners BOI, NIRSAL, LAPO, Edojobs
By Osaigbovo Frank Okundia
The Ease of Doing Business Secretariat under the auspices of the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), in collaboration with the Etsako East Local Government Council, the Edo State Skills Development Agency (Edojobs), the NIRSAL Microfinance Bank, the Bank of Industry (BOI) and the Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO) Microfinance Bank, has hosted an information session on access to credits for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area.
The event which held on Thursday, 20th November, 2024, at the Local Government Council Hall, aimed to empower local businesses in the area by providing them with necessary financial resources and support, needed to thrive.
In an opening remark, the Team Lead for Investment Promotion and Global Outreach at ESIPO, Abdul-Kadir Abdullah, emphasized the Edo State Government’s dedication to ensuring a conducive business environment in the State. The One-Stop Investment Centre (ES-OSIC) was highlighted as a key initiative to streamline processes and reduce bureaucratic hurdles for businesses.
According to him, “For us in ESIPO, the Ease of Doing Business Secretariat, Edo North, is a major industrial hub in Edo State and we are ready to facilitate more investments into the region, working with the LGAs”
The Chairman of the Local Government Council, High Chief Benedicta Attoh, expressed her vision for the area’s economic development. She outlined plans to establish a trailer park in Okpella and an ultra-modern fish market in Agenebode, leveraging the area’s strategic location and natural resources.
Representatives of BOI, NIRSAL Microfinance Bank, and LAPO Microfinance Bank, as institutions which are committed to providing financial support and guidance to local businesses, shed lights on various credit products and financing options available to MSMEs.
By bringing together key stakeholders and providing access to vital resources, the initiative is expected to significantly impact the economic landscape of Agenebode and the entire Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
