News
Lagos govt invests N103bn to boost MSMEs

The Lagos State Government has invested N103 billion into the provision of infrastructure to provide downstream contracts for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said on Tuesday.
The governor made the disclosure during the 6th Edition of the Lagos State MSMEs Exclusive Fair held in Ikeja.
The Fair had the theme: ”Effect of COVID-19: Charting the Way Forward for MSMEs”.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Folashade Jaji, Mr Sanwo-Olu said that the state government was passionately committed to the growth of small businesses.
He said that the state government recognised the role of the MSMEs in economic emancipation and their pivotal spot in the social and economic development of the state.
According to him, everyone has the collective responsibility of ensuring that MSMEs successfully overcame the economic and growth challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
”In the last two years, we have committed significant resources to the sustainability of the MSMEs, but the pandemic has further exposed the need for the public and private sector to meticulously develop the capacity of our MSMEs for growth and profitability.
”It is, therefore, a major reason why small businesses can always count on the Lagos State Government to provide the necessary backing for trade promotion and business development.
”We extended the tax-filing deadline by 60 days and loan moratorium by 90 days to ease MSMEs’ working capital challenges.
”In addition, through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, we have provided low interest loans to MSMEs to the tune of N10 billion.
”Our investment in MSMEs reflects our goal of making sure that small businesses are technically and financially empowered to generate lasting wealth,” he said.
The governor said that in the last one year, his administration had put in place significant interventions to boost the trade capacity of MSMEs in the state.
According to him, the goal is to ensure that small businesses in Lagos overcome the challenges of the economic crisis associated with the pandemic, as well as the destruction and looting that followed the EndSARS protest.
He said that government was collaborating with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to resolve the problem of access to finance by MSMEs.
Mr Sanwo-Olu said that in line with this, the CBN had established the N220 billion Micro and Medium Enterprises Development Fund, MSMEDF, among other schemes.
He called on all relevant stakeholders to collaborate and innovatively chart a new trajectory for economic diversification, growth and sustainability of MSMEs.
”As a proactive government, I assure you that we shall not relent in institutionalising policies that will enable the sustainability of MSMEs,” the governor said.
NAN
Headlines
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
Headlines
“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial

Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
Headlines
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader

His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
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