Cleric calls for prioritisation of SMEs

A renowned cleric and the Planter of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Adamimogo, Grace of Mercy Prayer Mountain worldwide, Prophet Sam Olu Alo, has urged the government to prioritize support for small business owners in Nigeria.

He emphasised that SMEs play a crucial role in driving economic growth and the nation’s development.

Prophet Alo pointed out that small businesses in Nigeria face several challenges, including limited access to funding, insufficient infrastructure, and strong competition from foreign products.

Speaking at a program called “Sure Mercy of David” held at Jesus City, Lekki/Epe Expressway, the cleric not only trained and empowered some of his congregants with multi-million naira start-up kits but also urged the government to implement policies that would enhance the patronage of local products.

These policies could include tax incentives, subsidies, and training programs for small business owners.

Beneficiaries of the empowerment programmes include shoemakers, caterers, phone repairers, make-up artists, and decorators among others.

According to Prophet Alo, supporting small businesses would not only boost economic growth but also reduce unemployment and poverty rates.

“Some of the products Nigerians import are not made by the government but by individuals, SMEs have alot of impact on boosting the economy of Nigeria, instead of buying goods from overseas, if we can encourage all the small business owners, it will bring succour and relief to the current economic hardship been experienced by Nigerians.

“For instance, the wall clock that was built by the beneficiaries of the empowerment, if people like politicians can buy it, it will encourage the people to do more and they can also use the money they realise in it to feed their families, by doing this, terrorism and other criminal act will reduce drastically.”

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He encouraged Nigerians to patronize local products, saying that there is a need for a conducive business environment that would enable local entrepreneurs to thrive.

He said by doing so, Nigeria can unlock its full economic potential and create a brighter future for its citizens.

“Government’s support would be a significant step towards reducing the country’s reliance on foreign products and promoting self-sufficiency.

“By working together, we can create a thriving economy that benefits all Nigerians. The government should take proactive steps to support small business owners and promote patronage of local products, thereby driving economic growth and development.

“For instance in Turkey, their government together with big companies will assemble and train their youths, empower them and also subsidise their products and buy them from them.

“If the government can also encourage them and give them material, it will help the country and unemployment is one of the causes of terrorism, robbery, kidnapping, some have their work but there are no tools for them to work.”

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE