From Muawuya Bala Idris, Katsina
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has restated his administration’s commitment to building a vibrant business ecosystem with a particular focus on youth and women entrepreneurs.
Speaking at the 2025 International MSME Day celebration and the official launch of the KASEDA Digital Academy, the governor described the initiative as part of a broader strategy to stimulate local enterprise, enhance human capital development, and boost economic activities across all 34 local government areas of the state.
“When we came into office, we made a firm decision to make Katsina a hub of enterprise and innovation,” Radda said. “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 had rolled out a series of interventions ranging from zero-interest loans and capacity-building programmes to infrastructural upgrades, ensuring that even rural-based entrepreneurs are not left behind.
He noted that within the past year, MSME outreach campaigns had reached communities that previously lacked government-backed business support.
“We initiated programmes that brought entrepreneurship closer to the people. From Funtua to Baure, from Jibia to Kafur, we ensured no community was left out,” he added.
Describing the KASEDA Digital Academy as a “game-changer,” Radda said the facility would “future-proof Katsina’s MSMEs through training in e-commerce, digital marketing, financial literacy, and business strategy.”
He urged youths in the state to take advantage of the numerous funding opportunities provided by the government.
“We have the funds. What we need is for our youth to take the first step. The opportunities are here, and we are ready to support your business dreams,” he said.
The governor also announced a ₦10 million business grant for 200 vendors selected during this year’s MSME Fair and Clinic. Each beneficiary is to receive ₦50,000 and participate in a two-day capacity-building workshop focused on business sustainability, customer service, and innovation.
Radda called on government agencies, financial institutions, and private investors to continue supporting small businesses and help dismantle the barriers hindering their growth.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), Hajiya A’isha Aminu Malumfashi, represented by the Technical Assistant to the Governor on Enterprise Development, Dr. Babangida Ruma, highlighted the agency’s impact over the last two years.
She said under the “Building Your Future” initiative, KASEDA had supported over 8,000 MSMEs with access to finance, advisory services, and mentorship.
According to her, the agency facilitated ₦3.4 billion in interest-free loans, conducted the state’s first-ever MSME census identifying more than 600,000 businesses, and mapped over 50,000 roadside enterprises and informal clusters.
She added that the agency trained 3,000 youth mechanics in partnership with the Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association and supported over 1,000 youth-owned startups with capital and incubation services.