The Lagos State Government says it will establish the Eko Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Fashion Hub in Lagos Central and Lagos East in the next nine months.
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu made this known on Friday, during the inauguration of the Eko MSME Fashion Hub in Old Alade Market, Ikeja.
The fashion hub was established in collaboration with the Federal Government and the Organised Private Sector.
Sanwo-Olu said that having the hub replicated in other parts of the state would help to boost MSMEs in the fashion industry.
”Mr Vice President; this is just the first phase of the Shared Facility Scheme. Today, we much charge ourselves and say we have unveiled one in Lagos West; we need to take this same thing to Lagos Central and Lagos East.
”And so Mr Vice President, I am challenging yourself and myself that within the next six to nine months, we need to replicate this in Obalende in Lagos Central and replicate it in Somolu, which will cover Lagos East.
”When we do this, indeed Lagosians would be happier for both yourself and myself.
”We must resiliently ensure that this is replicated in other parts of Lagos State.
“Apart from building and perpetuating the Made in Lagos Brand, we are set to optimally harness the economic growth and opportunities that is inherent in vibrant MSMEs,” the governor said.
He said that in the global setting, there was a dire outlook on the viability of MSMEs, especially in developing countries like Nigeria.
According to him, just some couple of years ago, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) lamented the inability of small businesses to grow in Africa, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.
He said that UNIDO cited example of Nigeria as a country where only 20 per cent of MSMEs survived after a few years.
”I think we are changing that concept today. However, the change is here today under the good leadership of our President, President Muhammadu Buhari.
”I am aware that this facility is the first of many more clusters to come across the country.
”It is a foundational seed, it heralds a new beginning for our MSMEs, our fashion entrepreneurs and those looking to acquire tailoring and fashion designing as a skill,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He said that through this fashion facility, jobs would be provided; tailors and fashion designers would gain more experience, expertise and skills.
The governor said that there would be a steady source of income for everyone who traded there while the growth framework for MSMEs becomes institutionalised at the end of the day.
According to him, the ripple effect will be felt in the nooks and crannies of Lagos West Senatorial District.
”More than ever before, we must be exceedingly intentional about creating greater opportunities for industry to develop and as well as creating the right spirit for our MSMEs to grow.
”I must acknowledge the contribution of the Organised Private Sector, especially Access Bank led by Mr Herbert Wigwe, who partner with both Office of the Vice President and Lagos State at creating this auspicious occasion here today and of course all the other various Federal Government agencies that have collaborated to make this National MSMEs clinics a success.
”The outcome of our collaborative effort reminds me of the words of Simon Mainwaring who said,“…Change is almost impossible without industry-wide collaboration, cooperation and consensus”,” he said.
