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Tag: Charles Odii

  • Renewed Hope: SMEDAN DG gifts 500 bags of rice to constituents at Christmas

    Renewed Hope: SMEDAN DG gifts 500 bags of rice to constituents at Christmas

    The Director General of the Small Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Charles Odii, has donated five hundred bags of rice to constituents of eleven wards in Aniocha South LGA, Delta State, during the festive season.

    The All Progressive Congress (APC) stalwart said the gesture was in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope mantra.

    The DG, who distributed 27 units of 25kg bags of rice and 300 units of 10kg bags of rice to the 11 wards in Aniocha South, also presented 200 bags randomly to constituents, totalling 500 bags of rice.

    Odii urged constituents to keep hope alive, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope mantra progresses steadily and makes positive strides. These policies of the President are what we need at this time as a nation to grow.

    He advised constituents and Nigerians in general to support Mr President in this fight to ensure a much better Nigeria shortly, noting that when one fights corruption, corruption fights back. What we face today is the impact of corruption striking back and not ill-fated policies as painted by a desperate move for power.

    Read Also: Tinubu calls for renewed hope, belief in prosperous Nigeria

    He further pleaded with constituents to stay safe and enjoy the holiday season, taking cognisance of the fact that Jesus is the reason for the season.

    APC Chairman, Norbert Akachukwu Sochukwudima, Aniocha South LGA, stated that “in all honesty, this is a clear sign of many more things to come; hope is alive, just like the agenda of our dear President, the Renewed Hope agenda. What the DG of SMEDAN has done in reaching out to the grassroots, the executive members of the APC across the 11 wards of Aniocha South, his immediate constituency, and his local government is a noble one.”

    He further stated: “We appreciate him greatly; the rice has been evenly distributed and many are leaving here happy. We have prayed for him and appreciate him.

    “At the time, we were worried because we had been expecting this kind of gesture, and we are glad it has finally come. We know more will come by the grace of God, and we are grateful.”

    APC youth leader Aniocha South, Austin Utulu, said: “At least this time, the people will smile because something like this has never happened before.”

  • 100 days: SMEDAN DG facilitates 15,000 jobs, N7 billion direct funding

    100 days: SMEDAN DG facilitates 15,000 jobs, N7 billion direct funding

    In his first 100 days as the Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Charles Odii has led impactful initiatives resulting in the creation of 15,000 jobs and the facilitation of over 7 billion naira in funding for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

    Odii was appointed last year as the head of the agency by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu based on his extensive contributions to the MSME sector, including the design and execution of projects that highlight and facilitate support for small businesses in Nigeria and across the continent.

    He assumed office on October 13, 2023, introducing a seven-point prosperity agenda focusing on providing SMEs with access to finance, markets, capacity building, partnerships, a business-friendly environment, and streamlined processes for sustainable growth. Achieving key milestones in just three months, he implemented reforms at SMEDAN, incorporating digital and data-driven approaches to address challenges hindering SME growth and fostering prosperity.

    These accomplishments align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda for inclusive economic growth and poverty eradication. Mr. Odii’s success distinguishes him as a key contributor to the administration’s goals, impacting grassroots communities and laying the foundation for rapid rural industrialization, a crucial solution to Nigeria’s economic challenges.

    Some of the key achievements include:

    Job Creation and Funding Initiatives: 5 Billion Naira Single-Digit Interest Loan with Sterling Bank: Under Mr. Charles Odii’s leadership, SMEDAN secured a groundbreaking agreement with Sterling Bank, unlocking a 5 billion Naira fund at single-digit interest rates to empower businesses. Over 200,000 applications have been received, and due diligence is underway for disbursement.

    Matching Fund Agreement with Anambra and Enugu State Governments: Collaborating with Anambra and Enugu state governments, SMEDAN injected 1 billion naira into MSMEs in each state under a matching fund agreement.

    Flag-off of the Conditional Grant Scheme (CGS): Economic activities at the grassroots level were revitalized with a cash injection of N50,000 into nano businesses, creating jobs with the condition that they hire one more person.

    Read Also: SMEDAN, Sterling Bank partner on N5b single-digit loans for SMEs

    Innovative Programs and Facilities: Launch of the Green Energy and Climate Change Desk: To address environmental challenges impacting businesses, SMEDAN introduced the Climate Change Desk, supporting displaced businesses and promoting the adoption of green energy solutions.

    Commissioning of Head Office Equipped with Modern Work Hubs: A state-of-the-art office complex was commissioned, housing dedicated staff and featuring facilities such as a textile and garment hub for fashion businesses and a woodwork and furniture facility for aspiring artisans.

    Launch of the SMEDAN Undergraduate Internship Program (SUIP): In commitment to early entrepreneurship readiness, a student internship program was launched to provide students with real-world business experience and resources to start, continue, and scale. Baze University served as the pilot ground, with more universities set to partner with the agency to execute the program.

    Launch of the Women and Youth Desk: Recognizing the pivotal role of women in SMEs, a dedicated desk was launched to provide direct access to opportunities designed for women entrepreneurs.

    Policy and Collaboration Initiatives: National Council on SMEs: Launched and Chaired by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, SMEDAN serves as the secretariat of the Council, uniquely positioning the agency to drive policy changes and facilitate inter-governmental collaboration for strategic SME investments.

    Support Services for SMEs:

    MSME clinic: A weekly initiative connecting SMEs with resources and knowledge needed for growth. Entrepreneurs, regulators, and experienced SME development professionals collaborate to provide mentorship and solutions, creating a one-stop shop for SMEs.

    Culture and Digital Transformation:

     Internal Culture Reform and Digital Transformation: A cultural reset within the agency aimed at fostering creativity and teamwork, accompanied by a digital transformation empowering staff with tools and training for greater productivity and progress tracking. The agency has launched various social clubs to promote a healthy lifestyle, enhance productivity and focus, and instil a sense of shared mission.

    Continuing its data-driven approach to impact, the agency is set to commence a nationwide small business census to create a credible and comprehensive database of SMEs in the country and enhance the quality of its interventions.