By Chinedum Treasure
UNIZIK Centre for Capital Market Studies (UCCMS) has identified access to sustainable finance as key challenge for small and medium–sized enterprises.
Director, Prof Chinedu Onyeizugbe stated this on Thursday during a two-day Conference/Workshop organized by the Centre in collaboration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The conference held at the ASUU building of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka was themed, “Harnessing Capital Market Opportunities for SME Growth and Investment Sustainability”
Describing the theme as both timely and strategic, Onyeizugbe said the event seeks to address that gap by exploring how the capital market can become a catalyst for SME expansion, business innovation and long- term economic sustainability.
He said, “This gathering of Policymakers, academics, regulators, investors and entrepreneurs marks a significant milestone in our collective effort to reposition the Nigerian economy through sustainable enterprise and capital market participation.
“Globally, SMEs are the bedrock of economic growth creating jobs, driving innovation, and promoting inclusive prosperity.
“Yet in Nigeria, access to sustainable finance remains a key challenge for small and medium – sized enterprises.
“This conference seeks to address that gap by exploring how the capital market can become a catalyst for SME expansion, business innovation and long- term economic sustainability.
“UNIZIK Centre for Capital Market Studies is poised and has been positioned to take the lead in collaboration with Securities and Exchange Commission, SMEDAN and other relevant institutions and organizations that may be willing to salvage the situation.
UCCMS boss who referred the center as the first of its kind in the entire southern region of Nigeria, said it was dedicated to advancing capital market education, policy research, innovation and capacity development in Nigeria.
“To achieve this, we have developed programmes that reflect the growing needs of the financial and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“Sequel to the Igba Boi Apprenticeship law recently enacted by the Anambra State Government, the UNIZIK Centre for Capital Market Studies is proposing to collaborate with the Securities and Exchange Commission to embark on a major initiative to groom and mentor SMEs across the State and beyond.
“In pursuit of this goal, the Centre intends to establish an Innovation Hub in partnership with the SEC, SMEDAN and other willing institutions.
“This Hub will serve as a training, incubation, and mentoring platform where SMEs, start ups and innovators can acquire skills on business structuring, financial management and capital formation within the market ecosystem.
‘Beyond training, the Innovation Hub will also serve as a knowledge exchange and research centre, fostering collaboration between government, investors and academia to design practical solutions for SME growth and economic transformation,” he posited.
Onyeizugbe appreciated SEC for its visionary collaboration and steadfast support in advancing the cause of the center, just as he thanked UNIZIK management for its institutional encouragement as well as State Government for fostering enabling environment for enterprise and innovations.
Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Entrepreneurship Development (Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy), Chalya Shagaya assured federal government commitment to building a $1 trillion economy through enterprise, productivity, and innovation.
Shagaya described Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as not just an afterthought but at center of national growth, pledging government’s continued willingness to eliminate barriers to business.
Earlier, Acting VC, Prof Carol Arinze-Umobi commended the SMEs for their key roles in socio economic development, including job creation, innovations, business competition as well as contributions to gross domestic product as backbone of nation’s economy.
She however decried the challenge of funding which she said had hampered full realization of their potential contribution to socioeconomic development.
“In this regard, the capital market comes in as a connect between investors with excess funds, and companies, and government needing such cash for long term investment,” she noted.
Among the lead presenters were Mr. Patrick Ilodianya, MD/CEO, SPS Financial Services Limited and Mr. Charles Odii, Director General, SMEDAN.
