Vice-President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment and capacity to fund its priority projects, describing the Abuja Centre for Entrepreneurship (ACE) as a key initiative in its efforts to promote entrepreneurship and tackle unemployment.
Shettima spoke on Thursday at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Abuja Centre for Entrepreneurship (ACE) in Abuja, where he was represented by his Special Adviser on General Duties, Sen. Aliyu Modibbo.
He said the ACE aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda and the administration’s efforts to create productive opportunities for young Nigerians.
According to him, the expansion of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the establishment of ACE reflected the government’s commitment to strengthening entrepreneurship and enterprise development.
Shettima said the government’s ambition for young Nigerians extended across FinTech, AgriTech and HealthTech, with the aim of developing businesses capable of supporting traders, farmers and other economic actors.
“Our ambition is to make the youth employers of thousands, creators of lasting value and sources of national pride.
“We want to create the conditions in which young Nigerians can develop enterprises that contribute meaningfully to the economy, while providing opportunities for others to earn productive livelihoods.
“The Abuja Centre for Entrepreneurship is, therefore, consistent with the government’s broader efforts to tackle unemployment and create a more productive and inclusive economy,” he said.
Shettima commended SMEDAN, the Republic of Korea, Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other partners for taking the ACE project to the groundbreaking stage.
He said Nigeria had the capacity to fund its priorities, describing the ACE as a major priority in the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen entrepreneurship.
The Vice-President said the centre would provide young entrepreneurs with opportunities to transform their ideas into viable enterprises while connecting them with relevant support, infrastructure and investment.
He added that the government expected the project to contribute to a stronger entrepreneurship ecosystem capable of supporting innovation, enterprise development and job creation across the country.
While inaugurating the construction of the centre, Shettima urged entrepreneurs who had already undergone training to justify the investment by building enterprises worthy of trust and honouring their obligations.
He also advised beneficiaries to remain patient and committed to building sustainable enterprises, noting that the success of ACE would ultimately depend on the businesses created and opportunities generated through the initiative.
Ms Elsie Attafuah, UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, said ACE would help translate Nigeria’s demographic potential into sustainable businesses and decent jobs.
