Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, has been nominated to receive the Most MSME-Friendly Governor of the Year Award at the 2026 National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Awards.
The prestigious award ceremony is scheduled to hold on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the Conference Centre of the State House, Abuja.
Organised by the Office of the Vice President, the event will also feature the public presentation of a compendium of MSME activities under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, showcasing key achievements in the development of micro, small and medium enterprises across the country.
The nomination is in recognition of Governor Otu’s commitment to fostering the growth of small businesses, promoting local production, and driving economic development at the grassroots level in Cross River State.
Since assuming office, the governor has implemented policies and programmes aimed at empowering entrepreneurs, improving access to finance, and creating an enabling environment for business growth through strategic interventions coordinated by the Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (CRSMEDA).
The recognition further highlights the state’s efforts in supporting enterprise development and aligns with the Federal Government’s vision of positioning MSMEs as a major driver of economic growth, job creation, and wealth generation.
Stakeholders have described the nomination as a reflection of the positive impact of the Otu administration’s economic policies, particularly in strengthening the capacity of small businesses and expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs across the state.
The National MSME Awards is one of the country’s foremost platforms for recognising individuals, institutions, and governments that have made significant contributions to the development of the MSME sector.
The event is expected to attract top government officials, captains of industry, development partners, financial institutions, and key players in the enterprise ecosystem from across the country.
By Kingsley Agim
