Events

Plateau: MSMEs sensitized on improved access to finance

Published

4 years ago

November 12, 2022

vicky

To Facilitate improved access to finance, the National Collateral Registry, NCR and the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, GIZ has sensitized operators of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs in Plateau State.

The MSMEs’ operators were equally exposed to financial service providers to interact with them on possible ways of accessing finances to grow their businesses and contribute effectively to the economy of the State and nation.

The sensitization, done at a town hall meeting with the theme: MSMEs haven: Improving access to the nation’s main economic drivers, was held in Jos on Thursday for MSMEs in the areas of ICT, e-commerce, and poultry value chains.

Addressing the participants, the Registrar of the National Collateral Registry, Mr. Musa Bulus, represented by Mr. Christian Nwosu, a Principal Manager in the organization, who gave an orientation on how to operate the NCR portal; explained that the organization was set up to bridge the gaps and improve access to credit to ensure financial inclusion.

He added that NCR is a data bank that allows MSMEs to prove their creditworthiness; enables responsible lending and advises business owners to only patronize financial institutions that are MSMEs friendly and understand the needs so that they can give proper guidance.

His words, “…National Collateral Registry is a financial infrastructure set up by the CBN with support from the International Finance Corporation, World Bank Group to address the challenges around access to finance by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

“It is an online database that allows lenders to register their interest and determine their priority interests over movable property taken as collateral for loans… From inception, over 500,000 MSMEs have accessed credit from various banks in a total of N16trn using their farm equipment, inventory, jewelry, farm products, etc…”

Earlier, Stella Dimlong, the Local Economic and Value Chain Development Advisor with GIZ noted that small businesses always name lack of access to finance as a key challenge but in the real sense, other factors like lack of information, lack of proper communication, lack of financial literacy and others can hinder the growth of businesses hence the need for them utilize available resources that can help them grow their businesses.

She stressed, “We are here to talk to the financial institutions and to further partner with you the business people to see how we can help our businesses to grow,” and urged them to use the opportunity to network and get the right information to add value to their businesses.

Participants at the meeting asked questions and got clarifications as financial institutions introduced them to the various packages they can explore to grow their businesses.

Related Topics:access to finance MSME NRC

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Plateau Strengthens Technical Education, Prepares NITT Centre for September Take-Off

Published

2 weeks ago

August 19, 2026

Preport

The Plateau State Government has taken a major step towards expanding access to specialised transport education and practical technical training with the handover of facilities at the Government Science Technical College, Bukuru, to the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria.

The facilities, comprising part of the college’s Mechanical Workshop, five classrooms and a residential quarter, will serve as the NITT Learning Centre and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Conversion Centre, providing students, technicians and professionals with opportunities to acquire practical skills in modern transportation technology, CNG conversion and logistics.

The Plateau State Government was represented at the handover ceremony by the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Davou Gyang Jatau, who said the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to strengthening technical education, skills development and the adoption of modern transportation technologies.

Jatau said the Mechanical Workshop would provide a practical environment for CNG conversion training, while the classrooms would support theoretical instruction, professional development and capacity-building programmes.

He added that the residential accommodation would improve the welfare of personnel and learners who would be associated with the centre.

The commissioner expressed confidence that NITT would make effective and sustainable use of the facilities to expand educational and technical opportunities for people in Plateau State.

“We are confident that NITT Zaria will make effective and sustainable use of these facilities for the benefit of Plateau State and Nigeria at large.”

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Mrs Jummai Shekarau, described the handover as an investment in technical education, innovation and human capital development, rather than simply the provision of infrastructure.

She said the CNG Conversion Centre would provide young people with practical skills that could improve their employability and enable them to take advantage of opportunities emerging in the CNG value chain.

According to her, the centre would also encourage entrepreneurship and job creation while supporting the transition from petrol and diesel to cleaner and more affordable energy alternatives.

The Registrar of NITT, Zaria, Dr Maina Williams Tarfa, commended the Plateau State Government for providing facilities beyond what the institute had initially requested.

Tarfa said the intervention would enable NITT to establish a strong educational presence in Plateau State and bring specialised transport training closer to residents.

He expressed confidence that the centre would commence operations by September, providing training opportunities for local government technicians and other professionals across the state.

He explained that NITT would introduce programmes including Advanced Diploma, Graduate Diploma and Master’s programmes in Transport and Logistics, while deploying its technical experts to deliver quality training and practical services.

Tarfa said the centre would help bridge the gap between theoretical education and practical skills by giving learners direct exposure to modern transport technologies.

Dr Sani Barau, Special Adviser to the Director General/Chief Executive of NITT, said the handover marked the transition from planning to implementation after concerted efforts to secure and prepare the facilities.

Barau stressed the need for a clear and speedy activation plan to ensure that the centre becomes operational as soon as possible.

He said the initiative would involve local technical stakeholders, create investment opportunities and strengthen the skills base required for the development of Plateau State’s transport sector.

The officials subsequently toured the facilities to inspect the progress of rehabilitation works at the institution ahead of the planned commencement of operations in September.

The establishment of the NITT Learning Centre is expected to strengthen technical and vocational education in Plateau State, giving students, technicians and professionals access to practical training and advanced qualifications in transport, logistics and emerging vehicle technologies.

Entertainment

Big Chinni Thrills Audience as NASCO Cornflakes Powers Mr & Miss UNIJOS 2026

Published

4 weeks ago

August 3, 2026

Preport

The University of Jos came alive with music, glamour and excitement as Afro Soul sensation Big Chinni delivered a captivating performance at the Mr & Miss UNIJOS 2026 pageant, one of the institution’s most anticipated annual social events.

The event, held on the University of Jos campus, attracted hundreds of students, alumni and guests who gathered to witness the crowning of the institution’s new king and queen and to celebrate creativity, fashion and student excellence.

Big Chinni thrilled the audience with an energetic Afro Soul performance, delivering a blend of soulful melodies and vibrant stagecraft that kept the crowd singing and dancing throughout her set. Her performance added excitement to an evening dedicated to showcasing talent, confidence and youthful creativity.

The pageant, widely regarded as a flagship event on the university’s social calendar, featured dazzling fashion displays, entertainment performances and competitive segments leading to the emergence of the new Mr & Miss UNIJOS 2026.

The event was powered by NASCO Cornflakes, one of Nigeria’s leading breakfast cereal brands, whose colourful branding featured prominently across the venue, including the red carpet and main stage. The company’s support underscored its commitment to promoting youth development, campus engagement and student-focused initiatives.

Organisers said the collaboration between NASCO Cornflakes and the pageant reflected a shared vision of celebrating excellence, talent and the vibrant lifestyle of young people.

With her memorable performance, Big Chinni further strengthened her growing reputation as one of the emerging voices in the Afro Soul music scene, leaving the audience entertained and making the 2026 edition of Mr & Miss UNIJOS one of the most talked-about campus events of the year.