Gov Ododo Launches SMEs Cooperative, Distributes CAC Certificates to Entrepreneurs
Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting small and medium-scale businesses as a strategy for economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction in the state.
The Governor made the commitment on Monday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Lokoja during the distribution of Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) certificates to beneficiaries and the launch of the SMEs Business Support Cooperative, organized by the Kogi Enterprise Development Agency (KEDA).
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Joel Salifu, Governor Ododo described the programme as a significant step towards building a prosperous and inclusive economy driven by innovation and entrepreneurship.
He noted that small and medium enterprises remain critical to economic development, stressing that his administration will continue to invest in policies and programmes that promote local industries and create opportunities for businesses to thrive.
Governor Ododo said the distribution of CAC certificates would provide beneficiaries with legal recognition for their businesses, thereby opening doors to credit facilities, government interventions, investment opportunities and wider markets.
He also described the launch of the SMEs Business Support Cooperative as a landmark initiative designed to provide entrepreneurs with easier access to financing, business advisory services, capacity-building opportunities and stronger market linkages.
Addressing the beneficiaries, the Governor urged them to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the programme by operating with integrity, maintaining proper records, paying taxes and creating employment opportunities for others.
He assured young entrepreneurs and women-owned businesses of his administration’s continued support through policies and programmes that will encourage investment, improve infrastructure and strengthen institutions across the state.
The Governor further commended the management and staff of KEDA for initiating programmes that empowers entrepreneurs and improve the state’s economic base, while also thanking the Corporate Affairs Commission, development partners, financial institutions and other stakeholders for their collaboration in advancing enterprise development in Kogi State.
Ealier in his welcome address, the Managing Director of KEDA, Alhaji Muhammed Kadiri Okeji, described the programme as another step in the Kogi State Government’s quest to promote entrepreneurship, create jobs and stimulate economic growth. He commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his continued support for enterprise development in the state.
Okeji said the registration of businesses with the Corporate Affairs Commission would give beneficiaries greater access to financing, investment opportunities and government interventions. He added that the SMEs Business Support Cooperative would provide entrepreneurs with funding, business support and capacity-building programmes.
He reaffirmed KEDA’s commitment to making Kogi State a hub for enterprise and innovation, while urging beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunities provided to build sustainable businesses and create jobs.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of CAC certificates and the SMEs Business Support Cooperative to beneficiaries by the Governor.
Unubi Emmanuel
Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor,
Kogi State.
July 13, 2026
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