Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has been celebrated with the 2025 Best Governor Award for Enterprise and Investment Promotion at the 5th edition of the SME Business Awards, recognizing his impactful role in supporting business development and entrepreneurship in the state.
The award, presented during a ceremony in Lagos organized by the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria (ASBON), acknowledged Abiodun’s administration for actively championing economic inclusion and enabling the growth of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
During the event, Ogun State’s Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency (OgunInvest) was recognized as the Most Dynamic State Investment Promotion Agency. Additionally, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Investment and Deputy Director General of OgunInvest, Ms. Sola Arobieke, earned the SME Hero in Public Service accolade for her exceptional contributions to innovation and entrepreneurship in the public sector.
Arobieke, who took part in a panel discussion themed “Sustainable Business Practices: The New Competitive Advantage for SMEs,” spoke about the importance of innovation, planning, and collaboration between sectors in ensuring long-term SME success in a changing economic landscape.
In her role as moderator for the session titled “Building Resilient and Sustainable SMEs: Strategies for Long-Term Growth and Global Competitiveness,” she urged entrepreneurs to stay ahead by integrating sustainability, leveraging technology, and adopting a long-term vision.
She emphasized that tools like microinsurance and strategic risk management are essential for shielding small businesses from disruptions, while digital platforms and access to modern infrastructure empower them to grow and compete globally.
Highlighting government responsibilities, Arobieke stressed the need for supportive regulations, increased funding opportunities, and the development of infrastructure to create an enabling environment for businesses to flourish.
She also noted that effective communication and access to reliable business media equip entrepreneurs with essential insights and data that drive informed decision-making.
“Development-focused financial institutions and SME banks serve as critical lifelines,” she added, “providing affordable financing, technical assistance, and risk solutions that help small enterprises remain competitive and sustainable.”
Reiterating Ogun State’s dedication to small business empowerment, Arobieke affirmed that the current administration continues to launch initiatives aimed at improving financing access, encouraging digital integration, and enhancing overall enterprise development in alignment with Governor Abiodun’s inclusive economic vision.
In his opening speech, ASBON President, Dr. Femi Egbesola, pointed out that small businesses make up the majority of Nigeria’s enterprises. He urged the government to pay closer attention to nano enterprises—those at the very base of the economic ladder—calling for more focused identification, recognition, and assistance tailored to their unique needs.
Dr. Egbesola also promoted microinsurance as a crucial safeguard for vulnerable enterprises facing economic instability, and he commended both government and private partners for their unwavering efforts to empower Nigeria’s MSME sector.
