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TEF Series: ‘MSMEs Must Focus On Digitalisation To Drive Growth, Productivity’
A group of high-powered panellists, yesterday, equipped entrepreneurs in Nigeria with the right mind-set needed for the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to drive productivity and growth in a digital economy.
Speaking at the third edition of Vanguard Newspapers annual economic summit, themed: ‘Enhancing MSME’s Productivity and Growth in an Emerging Digital Economy’, all of the panellists agreed that digital technologies must be embraced to ensure MSMEs play its significant role in the growth of the Nigerian economy.
The conference, in strategic partnership with Bank of Industry (BoI), and Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), featured key players, stakeholders, regulatory and policy decision makers across the MSME sub-sectors, MDAs, NGOs, academia, development finance institutions, industry and business thought leaders.
The speakers include, Associate Dean, Lagos Business School, LBS (keynote speaker), Prof. Olayinka David-West;MD/CEO, Bank of Industry (BoI), Mr.Olukayode Pitan; DG/CEO, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Olawale Fasanya; President, NASME & NiQIF, Engr. Abdulrashid Yerima.
While delivering the keynote address, David-West said “Productivity is key in all we do. We lose a lot of man hours to unproductivity. We count output, we don’t count efforts. We need to become more efficient with technology.”
David-West also suggested potent recipes for digital transformation that are capable of helping MSMEs achieve economic growth and development.
She identified investment in strategy, people, processes, culture, business model, digital leadership and ownership and agility as the key note ingredients that MSME need to prioritize to achieve full remain favourably competitive in the global market.
Also speaking, Fasanya emphasised that digitisation is capable of reducing unnecessary costs in business operations.
He said this at the ongoing Vanguard Economic Forum Series holding at the Civic Center, Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island, Lagos.
“Digitisation reduces transaction costs, cutting costs on transport and other logistic and operational costs.
“We also have the credit information this was conceived for giving MSMEs detailed information by various forms of loans such personal loans, business loans, mortgage that are available by different financial institutions. Through the portals, we can know different funds available, what the requirements are, and what you need to do to access funds from the banks. And we tend to have access to the portal
“A lot of Nigerians are looking for loans but have not tested business. Sometimes, business is not about money, it is about capacity. You need capacity to run your business successfully”,he noted.
Responding to Fasanya’s position, Yerima said more awareness on the importance of digital technologies must be continually pushed to close the wide digital divide.
He said: “A lot of people don’t have the detailed knowledge to operate. For instance, they are afraid of going into digital way of doing things if you look at how PoS people defraud.
“It is difficult. The challenges are there, but also solutions are.
“One of the solutions is to intensify awareness. We have to let people know and how to access this.
For instance, Kenya is giving laptops to be used in schools,” he said.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol