Rivers
‘SMEs Growth, Key To Poverty Alleviation In Nigeria’
Chief Whip of the 8th Opobo/Nkoro Legislative Assembly, Hon Ayagogo Toby, has said the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria remains the key to poverty alleviation and a prosperous future for Nigerians.
Speaking with newsmen recently in Port-Harcourt on SMEs and the alleviation of poverty in the society, among other issues, Toby urged government at all levels to critically examine the need to revisit the issue of SMEs in the country.
She siad if given the required attention, it is capable of creating favourable development opportunities for Nigerians.
She called on President Bola Tinubu, the 36 State Governors and other stakeholders to revitalize the sector to enable Nigerians fit in, and develop themselves instead of depending on government for white- collar jobs.
The lawmaker, who represents Opobo/Nkoro Ward 2 in the Assembly, said Nigerians can still show appreciable interest in trade and industry, where the people should be encouraged financially and otherwise.
Toby noted that buying and selling remains one of the surest ways for prosperity and wealth creation, saying that in modern times, SMEs contribute significantly to the sustenance of economies of the world.
She disclosed that SMEs contributes more than 50 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in high income countries.
Bethel Toby