The Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has advised owners of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) not to shut down their businesses due to economic difficulties in the country.
SMEDAN has also advised businesses and interested entrepreneurs to put in place proper planning to ensure the success of their endeavours.
The agency’s administrative officer in Kwara State, Mrs Adava Ometre, stated this on Wednesday while speaking at a seminar organised by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). The programme was part of activities on the occasion of the annual Press Week 2024.
According to her, given the current economic difficulties, there is a need for small and medium enterprises in the country to be resilient and ensure they overcome the situation.
Ometre added that Nigerian SMEs contribute 46.31% to the country’s GDP and over 6% to exports.
She said the figures clearly show that they are doing well despite the current economic challenges.
“SMEs in Nigeria should be resilient, they shouldn’t give up, they should not close up because of the economic hardship they are currently going through; they will overcome it,”she explained.
She advised those working as journalists in Nigeria to explore the possibilities of their profession and start their own businesses.
“As journalists, one of the ways you can own your business is to have a very strong online presence, maximise online platforms and be creative with what we do to create a niche.
“Consider developing your personal brand, sponsored content and offer paid services’ expertise in areas like media training, writing or social media strategy through paid consultations or workshops,” she added.
