Headlines
SMEDAN introduces business pitch competition to enhance financial literacy

SMEDAN introduces business pitch competition to enhance financial literacy
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), has introduced a business pitch competition known as “SMEDAN Speed Pitch”.
The Director-General of SMEDAN, Charles Odii, in a statement, said the initiative was designed to enhance financial literacy and provide small businesses with opportunities to access funds for growth.
Odii said the participants would receive training and support to develop and clearly articulate unique business innovations, viability, and potential to unlock opportunities.
According to him, this will include private investments in the country and across the globe.
He said: “The first edition of the pitch competition will take place on May 1, at the Eko Convention Center in Lagos as part of the Nano Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (NMSME) Engagement Series.
“It will be hosted by Ms Jennifer Adighije, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Entrepreneurship and Innovation/Digital Economy.
“This initiative is part of SMEDAN’s ‘GROW Nigerian’ strategy, which focuses on boosting local production.
“It does this by providing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with financial and non-financial resources, including markets, knowledge, mentorship, and tools, to grow sustainably and spread prosperity.’’
Odii said to participate in the first edition, businesses must be female-owned, registered, and in operation for at least three years.
He said: “Applications will open on April 24 and close on April 27.
“Shortlisted applicants will undergo a test to determine the top five performers who will get the chance to present their pitch at the main event in Lagos.
“The winner will receive a prize of one million naira for workforce support, procurement of work tools, and business expansion.
“ Runners-up will receive 300,000 and 200,000 respectively, along with free Business Development support.”
On how to apply, the Director-General urged applicants to upload a three-minute video pitch to social media.
Odii said: “Introduce yourself in the video and showcase your product/service and the problem it solves, and make a case for why you should be enlisted.
“Follow and Tag SMEDAN’s official pages (@smedaninfo, use the hashtag #SMEDANSpeedPitch), and remember that the application deadline is April 27.
“For pitch criteria, you must possess a clear vision and concept, understanding of the target audience, unique selling proposition (USP), short-term and long-term goals and utilisation of the prize (money).
“The judging criteria will include, clarity, market potential, innovation and differentiation and presentation skills.”
(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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