SMEs: FG Establishes Technology Incubation Centres In Benue
From Msughshima Andrew, Makurdi
In its bid to promote Small and Medium scale Enterprises in the country, the Federal Government has almost completed the building of Technology Incubation Centre, Makurdi, the Benue state capital.
The structures which has reached an advanced stage is awaiting furnishing and installation of facilities some of which are already on ground.
The centre situated at the premises of the defunct Tractor Hiring Agency has eight large incubation units which have been completed while 10 others are still under construction.
Speaking with our correspondent in his office, in Makurdi, today, the Manager of the incubation centre, Mr. Alex Uke said the centre is a federal government initiative aimed at developing small and medium enterprises where viable research will be translated into practical results.
Mr Uke stated that entrepreneurs will be trained in different skills at no cost after which they will be graduated and offered start-up grants to commence their own businesses and also engage more hands to add value to their lives.
Mr Uke said the centre will promote economic development, wealth generation, income and taxes and create jobs for the state.
“It will enhance the creation of entrepreneurial culture and a demonstration of the political commitment to small business.
He also named other benefits of the centre to include promotion of knowledge acquisition for cooperate sectors and global competitiveness of products, creating investment choice and demonstrating commitment to social responsibilities.
“The centre will also provide opportunity for research and commercialisation, foster environment for interraction with industries and also designed to assist budding entrepreneurs in the development of new technology bases firms both start up and fledglings.
“The programme also helps in value orientation by creating an environment for changing the attitude towards personal initiative creativity innovation risk taking and entrepreneurship”, he added.
