From Hidden To Unstoppable : Expert Harps On Importance Of SMEs To Economic Development In Jos
Yakubu Busari
The “Power move conference ” in partnership with Jos Business Women Connect (JBWC), and a financial Analyst, Mrs Sylvia Matlong Mbai, has reiterated the pivotal role Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) play in Nigeria’s economic development, especially in Jos , Plateau.
She stressed that most SMEs drive about 90 percent of businesses’ growth in the country, and transformational leadership is passionate towards empowering individuals and organizations to achieve meaningful economic independence.
She said this is the theme, ‘From Hidden to Unstoppable, take your seat at the table. ‘Sylvia emphasized on harnessing the business environment by partnering with other local and international marketers.
Giving statistics, she cited the first challenges from what the women are doing on the table as historic to change the narrative of the past and present imbibe the current experiences of contentment towards what we have market is projected to grow at a Compound Annually.
However, the conference is aimed at inspiring young entrepreneurs to develop the skills that can make them unstoppable. The training is to inspire a bigger picture of the livelihood of women’s hidden talents.
She mentioned some of the challenges faced by SME owners during an era when there was no communications infrastructure to support their businesses, which she said are now appalling. We admonish women to take their rightful responsibility in building business links
But now, said that SMEs now have unique opportunities to scale their operations, access new markets, and streamline their business processes through high-speed Internet access, mobile connectivity, and reliable networks.
Mbai added: “We now have access to telecommunications and also to the widespread towers that allow Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to collocate their equipment on towers owned by Tower Companies (TowerCos), and extending coverage to regions where SMEs reside, providing both data and voice services and other value.”
Dr Ella Chioma, a Plateau-born Anambra University Don, has also disclosed that the major problems of Jos people are contentment, which contributed significantly to economic undergrowth the mindset of the people.
She revealed that the lack of job creation, social connectivity, innovation, global engagement, gender inclusion, and diversity.
According to her, online businesses aren’t attracting customers due to gossip and traditional beliefs, but she stressed that today’s training would open new opportunities for Plateau State and its environs.
She advised business users to make use of OPay, which is deepening financial inclusion, creating jobs across Nigeria
Noting that there are challenges to consider in communications infrastructure, he said issues such as limited access to high-speed Internet and mobile connectivity in many regions of Nigeria, as well as the vulnerability of SMEs to online scammers and hackers.
She suggested sensitization on cybersecurity and the development of digital skills among SMEs Chioma went down to the history of her childhood life in Jos to the cost of living and goods obtained.
She further claimed that clear and supportive regulatory frameworks that avoid multiple taxations are necessary to encourage investments in internet infrastructure and protect the interests of SMEs.
Dr Chioma added that to ensure the continued growth of SMEs in Nigeria, we call for investors to come to Plateau with a business concept, communications infrastructure, along with supportive policies and initiatives, which are paramount.
According to her, “Collaborative efforts from the government, industry, and SMEs can help pave the way for a brighter economic future, where SMEs continue to thrive and contribute to national development.”
The Commissioner for Women Affairs , Mrs Caroline Panglang Dafur stated that women are the building blocks of every family, so empowering them is like building a nation.
She maintains that the government is willing to support local business Women with started pack , if they’re well coordinated as a body to come together under one umbrella.
Dafur challenged the womenfolk to take advantage of the new ideas and boost their businesses through partnership.
Speaking further, she said her husband died 20 years ago, business she refused to give up, including the permanent secretary, so the charges Women to brace up for the present economic challenges.
