The Job Creation and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Secretariat, operating within the Office of the Vice President, has established a collaboration with esteemed musician and entrepreneur – Innocent Idibia (also known as Tuface) to garner public backing for the MSMEs sector.
This formal partnership was cemented on Friday in Abuja, with Tuface and Mr. Tola Adekunle-Johnson, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, taking part in the signing of the agreement.
Adekunle-Johnson underscored Tuface’s pivotal role as a brand ambassador for job creation and MSMEs, noting that his involvement would significantly contribute to the advancement of initiatives under the National MSMEs Awards.
He pointed out the focus of the initiative on the Expanded National MSMEs Clinics, Shared Hubs for MSMEs, and various initiatives aimed at job creation.
The presidential aide conveyed a strong belief in Tuface’s influence and reputation, stating that it would play a crucial role in stimulating public participation in these programs, which are designed to promote employment opportunities and support small businesses.
“We thought of how best we can sustain the momentum of creating jobs and promoting all the activities of the MSMES, awards, hubs, and the single-digit loan.
“And in trying to consistently promote this, we looked at areas that are of interest to some of our target audience, and you will agree with me it is the entertainment or creative industry.
“Today we are unveiling who I regard as an icon, a legend in the game, he has been consistent with his craft and a very creative man in the person of Mr. Innocent Idibia (Tuface).
“This partnership with Tuface will help galvanize private sector support for public sector initiatives aimed at creating jobs and supporting businesses,” he said.
In response to the establishment of the partnership, Tuface extended his gratitude to the administration of President Bola Tinubu for its emphasis on the youth and small enterprises.
He committed to enhancing awareness regarding Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), with a particular focus on the youth population of Nigeria, and conveyed his appreciation for the confidence vested in him.
“I appreciate the vote of confidence, I appreciate the kind words, for me I’m excited about this. It is a very good move in a good direction.
“Most of our youths today, there are so many things going that they can easily be deviated from following the right positive trajectory of life.
“But with this, people might even under estimates the power and value that this will bring to both the individuals, their communities and the country as a whole.
“So, for me I really commend this initiative, I commend the show of concern and show of support from the government towards young people, small businesses,” Tuface remarked.
Also, Deputy Director, Office of Trade and International Relations, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mrs Sarah Ajayi, emphasized the importance of entertainment in engaging youth, noting that Tuface’s influence would be instrumental in reaching the younger demographic.
“Entertainment is what attracts the youth.
“Most of them are given to entertainment, so having Tuface as our brand ambassador is a good one,” Ajayi said.
