The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) remains steadfast in its commitment to bolstering Nigeria’s small businesses through its diverse programs and initiatives. Among its most impactful efforts is the One Local Government, One Product (OLOP) scheme, a national initiative aimed at promoting local entrepreneurship by supporting small-scale businesses in rural areas. This support has led to the transformation of numerous enterprises across the country, including Mac Chiz, a business owned by Valentine, whose remarkable success story has become a model of SME development.
Valentine, the founder of Mac Chiz, started his journey in a modest, single-room apartment. However, through the dedicated support and intervention of SMEDAN, his business has grown beyond expectations, now occupying a fully established facility. This transformation is a testament to the impact of SMEDAN’s OLOP initiative, which has been designed to identify local products and services with potential for growth and scale them with financial, technical, and logistical assistance.
Valentine’s success was recently showcased on SMEDAN’s official Instagram page through a video capturing his entrepreneurial journey. The agency praised his dedication and hard work while highlighting his achievements as a symbol of hope for other small business owners across Nigeria. In their caption, SMEDAN reinforced their commitment to supporting more businesses like Mac Chiz: “Small businesses are the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, and we’re proud to support entrepreneurs like Valentine, founder of Mac Chiz NG.”
The *One Local Government, One Product* scheme is just one example of how SMEDAN continues to push for the growth and sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. By providing businesses with access to financial support, mentorship, and market opportunities, SMEDAN plays a critical role in driving the economic empowerment of entrepreneurs across the nation.
In Valentine’s case, the support he received has not only enhanced his business but also created a ripple effect within his community, providing employment and fostering local economic growth. This story serves as a powerful example of what can be achieved when the right resources are made available to the right people.
Charles Odii, Director-General and CEO of SMEDAN reiterated the agency’s dedication to fostering entrepreneurial growth in Nigeria during the 2024 National MSME Conference. He emphasized the importance of supporting small businesses, describing them as the “backbone of Nigeria’s economy.” SMEDAN’s interventions, such as the OLOP scheme, are critical to ensuring that local businesses have the tools and resources they need to thrive, and Valentine’s success with Mac Chiz exemplifies the transformative power of such support.
SMEDAN remains committed to expanding its reach to entrepreneurs nationwide, offering tailored solutions that address the unique needs of each business. By continuing to invest in schemes like OLOP, the agency aims to create sustainable business environments that will contribute to Nigeria’s overall economic development.
In their recent post, SMEDAN reaffirmed their commitment to promoting the success of businesses like Valentine’s and encouraged other entrepreneurs to seize the opportunities made available by the agency. “We’re committed to promoting his success and encouraging others to do the same,” the agency stated.
As Nigeria continues to prioritize the development of its small business sector, SMEDAN’s efforts will be instrumental in helping the country achieve its economic growth targets and ensure that entrepreneurs across the nation have the support they need to succeed.
