BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR

Vice President Kashim Shettima has inaugurated the newly established Borno State Fashion Hub, a state-of-the-art facility designed to transform the local fashion industry and create up to 48,000 jobs annually.

The commissioning took place on Tuesday at defunct Kashim Ibrahim College of Education, ahead of the 6th Expanded National MSME Clinics and Fashion Hub.

He also made the announcement of a N300,000 grant for outstanding entrepreneurs in the state.

VP Shettima described the Borno Fashion Hub as a major milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen the MSME ecosystem, particularly within the fashion sector.

'This hub is one of the largest ever established by the Federal Government. It is fully equipped with modern facilities to support the fashion manufacturing industry in Borno State,' he stated.

He emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for economic diversification and job creation, adding that small businesses remain central to national development.

Following the hub’s inauguration, the Vice President announced an unconditional grant of N300,000 for each outstanding entrepreneur participating in the MSME Clinic.

'On behalf of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I am pleased to announce that an unconditional grant of N300,000 will be awarded to each outstanding MSME exhibiting at today’s clinic,' Shettima said.

He assured that the grants are non-repayable, reinforcing the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting small businesses and fostering economic resilience in the region.

Speaking at the event, Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, commended the initiative, describing MSMEs as the backbone of economic resilience in the State.

'The MSME Clinic will revitalize business activities, create employment opportunities, and increase income sources for our people,' Gov. Zulum said.