ABUJA TO HOST FCTA’S DIGITAL ACADEMY

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) plans to establish a cutting-edge Digital Academy within the Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA) to bolster the capabilities of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the capital. Mr. Chudi Ugwuada-Ezirigwe, the Acting Managing Director/CEO of AEA, announced this development during a media parley with the FCT Minister’s Press Corps in Mabushi District, Abuja, outlining the agency’s initiatives and future aspirations.

This Digital Academy aims to elevate SMEs’ digital prowess, aligning with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and is anticipated to serve as a centralized hub for SMEs, fostering their business activities and expanding market opportunities.

Additionally, plans are underway to establish a top-tier Automobile Service Centre and a Panteka Enterprise Incubation Hub, aiming to provide young individuals a platform to channel their potential effectively.

The overarching goal is to position Abuja as the forefront city for entrepreneurial development in Nigeria. The agency aims to support the growth of 150,000 MSMEs by extending business development services to 50,000 MSMEs, strengthening entrepreneurial coordination, and promoting FCT as a clean energy city.

Highlighting the achievements, the Managing Director mentioned significant milestones, such as financing 4,761 businesses, educating and promoting entrepreneurship to 9,557 individuals, and delivering business support to 3,691 rural entrepreneurs across the six Area Councils of FCT.

Furthermore, the Agency has facilitated dialogues between MSMEs and Regulatory Organizations, engaged with communities, and rehabilitated infrastructure like the Cassava Processing Centre in Chikuku, Kwali Area Council, and revitalized the Shea Butter Project Concept in Abaji Area Council.

Acknowledging corporate partnerships, the Acting MD recognized the support of entities like the European Union, KOICA, JICA, Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), SMEDAN, and NIDTA, among others, in fostering SME growth, staff capacity building, business registration, funding facilitation, and IT training.

Finally, Mr. Ugwuada-Ezirigwe assured the continuous support of AEA’s Management and Staff to the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, and the Minister of State, FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, in their endeavors to enhance enduring infrastructure in Abuja.