By Correspondent in Lokoja.
Kogi Enterprise Development Agency (KEDA) has signed a memorandum of Understanding with Combined Agricultural and Renewable Energy Company Limited (CAREC) in Lokoja ,the state capital.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) sets forth the mutual understanding and intentions of the parties to establish a strategic collaboration to support the agency’s MSME development initiatives.
The scope of the MOU includes, joint establishment of incubation Centre for nursing start ups for selected Entrepreneurs to establish their businesses, joint incubation for startups in assembling of electronic digital devices,portable solar lamps and generators,inverters,battery energy storage packs.
Other areas of focus are, establishment of incubation centres for Pharmaceuticals, model Agro.Industrial factory for casava processing into garri, rice processing, cashew nut processing and other derivatives by Women Cooperatives etc.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of KEDA , Alhaji Muhammed Kadiri Okeji said the MoU is aimed at fostering the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises(MSMEs) within the economy of Kogi state.
In a statement issued by KEDA Information Officer, Mr.Joseph Adama, the Managing Director noted that in an attempt to develop the state, there was need to partner with private sector organisations since government cannot do all things for the people.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive stressed that with the partnership, efforts will be geared towards ensuring that the project is pursued vigorously by leaving no stone unturned in the desire to get a perfect work.
According to Adama ,the Managing Director expressed optimism that the MoU when fully implemented, would put smile on the faces of teeming women and Youths across the state
Also speaking via zoom after the signing of the MOU , the vice chairman Engr. Jatto A .Adams on behalf of the chairman of CAREC expressed appreciation to the kogi state government for this partnership and commended the KEDA Management for the signing of the MOU.
He noted that the signed document would boost the activities of KEDA in the realisation of the state government objectives to boost economic activities, foster industrialization, and create more entrepreneurs .
Mallam Yakubu Lawal, a director in CAREC signed on behalf of his organisation while the MD/ CEO signed for KEDA.
In an interview with the press, Lawal promised speedy implementation of the agreement stressing that as people who are stakeholders, they will join hands to see to the development of the state.
Present at the event from KEDA were,the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Usman Zubair, Executive Director Operations, Mr. Akin Akinola and Head, Research and Development Mr.Daniel Arome
Directors from CAREC were Alhaji Ahmed Musa Ododo, IT and Corporate Services, Umar Sulaiman and Project planning and Development, Engr. Enesi Abdulrasheed.
