Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has received the “2025 Best Governor in Enterprise and Investment Promotion” award at the 5th SME Business Awards.
Dapo was recently honoured for his government’s resilient commitment to aiding entrepreneurship, backing small businesses, and driving inclusive economic growth across Ogun State.
Hosted by the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria, the award ceremony also rewarded the Ogun State Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency for being the “Most Vibrant State Investment Promotion Agency.”
At the same event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Investment and Deputy Director General of OgunInvest, Ms. Sola Arobieke, took home the “SME Hero in Public Service” award.
Sola was awarded for strategically championing the empowerment of small businesses within the public sector, a feat worth celebrating due to the positive fruits her work keeps yielding.
Speaking during a panel discussion at the event, themed “Sustainable Business Practices: The New Competitive Advantage for SMEs,” she highlighted the major role that strategic planning plays in delivering sustainable SMEs across Nigeria.
Emphasising how the digital infrastructure and e-commerce have aided the transformation of the SME sector, Sola stressed that SME finance and development banking are to thank for providing affordable capital to sustain the competitiveness of small businesses.
“From microinsurance 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.
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 said.
Sola added that the Dapo Abiodun-led government will keep rolling out initiatives that will enhance access to funding, aid digital adoption, and boost enterprise development.
