The recognition celebrates the Agency’s steadfast commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and driving inclusive economic growth across the State.
The awards ceremony, hosted by the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria (ASBON) in Lagos, recognised the Special Adviser to the Governor on Investment and Deputy Director General of OgunInvest, Ms. Sola Arobieke, as SME Hero in Public Service, applauding her strategic leadership in empowering small businesses and championing innovation within the public sector.
Speaking as a panelist at the event, themed “Sustainable Business Practices: The New Competitive Advantage for SMEs,” Ms. Arobieke underscored the critical role of strategic planning, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration in building resilient and sustainable Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in today’s fast-evolving economic landscape.
She described sustainable business practices as the new edge for forward-looking SMEs, urging entrepreneurs to embrace adaptability, digital tools, and long-term thinking.
“From micro insurance and risk management, which shield businesses from unforeseen shocks, to the vital roles of funding, technology, and capacity building, every element contributes significantly to shaping a resilient SME ecosystem,” she noted.
Arobieke highlighted the transformative impact of digital infrastructure and e-commerce, stressing that these tools enable SMEs to scale efficiently, access broader markets, and remain agile in times of disruption.
She noted further that, governments play a fundamental role in creating a business-friendly environment through enabling policies, improved access to finance and critical infrastructure development, emphasising the importance of strategic communication and business media in equipping entrepreneurs with the market intelligence and policy insights needed to thrive.
“SME finance and development banking remain pillars of support, offering affordable capital, risk mitigation tools, and advisory services that enhance the resilience and competitiveness of small businesses,” she added.
Reaffirming Ogun State’s commitment to SMEs, Arobieke noted that, the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration continues to roll out initiatives that improve access to funding, promote digital adoption, and strengthen enterprise development, all in alignment with the Governor’s vision for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Earlier, President of ASBON, Dr. Femi Egbesola, emphasised that small businesses constitute the majority of enterprises in Nigeria, calling for greater governmental focus on nano enterprises, stressing the need for targeted identification, recognition, and support of the ultra-small businesses.
He further advocated for the adoption of micro insurance as a critical tool for sustaining nano and small enterprises, particularly in the face of economic uncertainties. Dr. Egbesola commended both public and private sector stakeholders for their continued support for Nigeria’s small business community.
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