The Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfattah Ahmed has stressed the need for Nigerians to patronise locally made products for the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Speaking at the 2017 Jimpo Ori cute baby contest organised by the manufacturer of the product, Amu-Gold Global Network, Governor Ahmed also urged youths to explore their potentials for economic gains.
Represented by the Senior Special Assistant on Youth Empowerment, Alhaji Saka Babatunde, Ahmed commended the company for coming up with the initiative aimed at encouraging patronage of locally made products.
“I congratulate the company because what it is doing is in line with what the government has been saying concerning youths seeking financial freedom. You can only get financial freedom when you start your own business.
The Governor lauded the company for packaging a product with 100 percent local content, noting that the country is well endowed with natural resources waiting to be explored.
He encouraged youths, especially potential entrepreneurs to come up with business proposals, assuring that the state government would assist in making their dreams a reality.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Rural Water Support Services, Mr. Anu Ibiwoye, commended management of the company for creating jobs for Kwara youths and creating wealth despite the economic challenges confronting the nation.
He said, ” This is an initiative that is highly commendable because its entrepreneurial driven with local materials. Most importantly, the kind of quality that has gone into packaging the product should be recommended nationally not just at the state level.”
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the Amugold Global Network, Mrs Adebola Omolade Amujo said that the mission of the company is to provide made- in- Nigeria products for Nigerians.
According to her, ” The network was established four years ago and is into production of sachet pepper called ‘Atalilo processing’, shear butter Jimpo-Ori, soap and agriculture.
The Chairman of the company, Mr. Tope Amujo stressed that the essence of the award dinner and launching of the product is to encourage patronage of locally made products in the country.
He called on government at all levels to provide enabling environment for local firms to thrive and encourage people to invest in the state.
Meanwhile, highlight of the event was the cash presentation and awards to winners of the contests.
24 babies were given various awards among whom were first winner, Nathiel Osisiogu, who was presented with a cheque of N100,000; second place, Eniola Ibikunle awarded cash prize of N50,000 and Peter Tiwatope with the sum of N25,000 for coming third.
