By Oyajimi Kehinde
The third edition of the Ogun State MSMEs Business Clinic 3.0 which offers guidance and support to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the state was held at the June 12 Cultural Centre with the theme “Empowering Businesses, Shaping the Future,.”
The event drew entrepreneurs, government agencies, financial institutions, and business organizations, creating a lively platform for learning, mentorship, and networking. Among the participating agencies were the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) Ministry of Trade and Investment, SMEDAN, Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the National Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI). Together, these organizations provided practical guidance and strategic advice to help entrepreneurs navigate business challenges and improve competitiveness.
Leading the RMRDC team, was the State Coordinator Mr. Rabiu B.O., who engaged directly with entrepreneurs through one-on-one advisory sessions, group discussions, and mentorship opportunities. Mr. Rabiu also offered hands-on advice during business pitching sessions, helping participants refine presentations, identify funding opportunities, and understand regulatory requirements. Also entrepreneurs were guided on tax compliance, enterprise formalization, and strategies for expanding into new markets, equipping them with practical steps to strengthen their businesses.
Speaking, Mr. Rabiu said “We are not here to run these businesses, but to share knowledge, connect entrepreneurs with key resources, and provide technical guidance. He stated, “working alongside NAFDAC, NASSI, SMEDAN, and other agencies, we hope to help these businesses thrive and contribute to Ogun State’s growth.”
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Other agencies also played crucial roles. NAFDAC guided participants on food and product safety compliance, while NASSI facilitated networking among small-scale industrialists. SMEDAN and NEPC highlighted grants, incentives, and market access opportunities, giving entrepreneurs practical avenues to grow their businesses.
Participants received guidance on making the most of local raw materials, ensuring product quality, adding value to products, growing their businesses, accessing funding, complying with regulations, and preparing for export markets. A call for regular capacity-building workshops, continuous mentorship programmes, guidance on regulatory compliance, and the creation of collaborative platforms connecting MSMEs with government agencies and financial institutions was also made.
The event served as a reminder of the power of collaboration between government institutions, regulatory agencies, and small business owners in driving economic growth.
