Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa has called on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the state to embrace collaboration to enhance the growth of their businesses.

Mr Sule made the call at a one-day Nasarawa Business Empowerment Summit on Thursday in Lafia.

The event was organised by Kunkwle Nghargbu-Adokwe, founder of the NK Foundation, in collaboration with the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion.

The summit had as its theme. “Collaboration as a means of strengthening small  and medium-scale enterprises.”

Mr Sule, represented by Margaret Elayo, the state’s commissioner for environment and natural resources, said SMEs could only thrive through collaboration.

“Collaboration is a necessity when we are talking about SMEs. In most cases, when we collaborate, we share ideas and define purpose, rather than limiting ourselves to one person’s idea.

“When you are intentional about working with people, it takes you far beyond your imagination,” he said.

The governor urged small business owners to partner with those who possess the capacity, vision, and sustainability required to grow their enterprises.

In her remarks, the convener, Ms Nghargbu-Adokwe, stated that the summit aimed to address development challenges in Nigeria, including unemployment, poverty, and inequality.

She said that youths, who make up over 60 per cent of the nation’s population, are the most affected by these challenges, hence the need for empowerment initiatives.

“The summit will equip young entrepreneurs in Nasarawa with the insights necessary to launch and scale successful businesses. It will also provide targeted support to selected entrepreneurs, enabling them to expand their impact.

“By fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, the initiative will promote job creation, innovation, and economic growth,” she said.

Also speaking, Ibrahim Abdullahi, the managing director of the Nasarawa State Investment and Development Agency (NASIDA), commended the convener for her initiative, noting that it aligned with the governor’s vision of making the state conducive for enterprise.

(NAN)