By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
SMEDAN DG’s 100-day triumph: 15,000 jobs created, N7 Billion funding facilitated.
In a remarkable 100-day tenure, Charles Odii, Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN DG‘s), has steered 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).
Assuming office on October 13, 2023, Odii implemented a seven-point prosperity agenda focused on providing SMEs with access to finance, markets, capacity building, partnerships, a business-friendly environment, and streamlined processes for sustainable growth. This aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda for inclusive economic growth and poverty eradication.
Some of the key achievements under Odii’s leadership include securing a 5 billion Naira Single-Digit Interest Loan with Sterling Bank, a Matching Fund Agreement with Anambra and Enugu State Governments, and the flag-off of the Conditional Grant Scheme (CGS) injecting N50,000 into nano businesses.
In addition to these, Odii introduced innovative programs such as the Green Energy and Climate Change Desk, the SMEDAN Undergraduate Internship Program (SUIP), and the Women and Youth Desk. Policy initiatives include the launch of the National Council on SMEs and support services like the MSME clinic.
Furthermore, the agency under Odii’s leadership has undergone internal culture reform and digital transformation, promoting creativity, teamwork, and productivity. A nationwide small business census is set to commence, enhancing the quality of interventions through a comprehensive SME database.