A Visionary Leader Empowering Entrepreneurs
Charles Odii, the Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), is reshaping Nigeria’s SME landscape. Through innovative strategies and impactful initiatives, he is fostering entrepreneurship, creating employment opportunities, and strengthening the nation’s economy.
His leadership aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, ensuring SMEs become key drivers of Nigeria’s economic development. With a hands-on approach, Odii is implementing programs that provide business owners with essential tools, financial support, and growth opportunities.
Transforming SMEs Through Innovation
Under Odii’s leadership, SMEDAN has launched various initiatives aimed at enhancing SME productivity and sustainability. One of the standout projects is a solar-powered garment-making center, developed in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Key Benefits of the Solar-Powered Garment Center
- Provides free access to modern garment-making equipment.
- Eliminates power costs and machine maintenance burdens.
- Supports over 120 entrepreneurs daily with a reliable energy source.
Additionally, the initiative extends beyond infrastructure. Odii has partnered with logistics firms such as NIPOST and God Is Good Logistics to provide SMEs with discounted delivery rates—15% and 20%, respectively—ensuring seamless distribution of products nationwide.
Expanding Impact Across Nigeria
Odii’s solar-powered garment-making center has been successfully replicated in Katsina and Osun States, with plans for expansion to all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. This project alone generates around 700 direct and indirect jobs daily, addressing unemployment and empowering young entrepreneurs.
His broader vision is to establish SMEs as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, positioning the country for competitiveness within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). So far, his initiatives have:
- Created over 15,000 jobs nationwide.
- Facilitated more than ₦7 billion in SME funding.
- Secured a ₦5 billion single-digit interest loan through Sterling Bank to support businesses.
Strengthening Rural and Urban Business Growth
Odii’s commitment extends to rural communities, where he has introduced the Conditional Grant Scheme (CGS). Through this program, nano-businesses receive ₦50,000 in funding to create employment and support local economies.
Further collaborations with Anambra and Enugu State Governments have secured ₦1 billion in SME funding per state under a matching fund agreement, ensuring broader financial access for small business owners.
Promoting Green Energy and Workforce Development
Recognizing environmental challenges, Odii established the Green Energy and Climate Change Desk, assisting businesses affected by climate change while promoting sustainable energy solutions.
To boost workforce productivity, he has built a modern SME secretariat with:
- Dedicated work hubs for SMEs.
- A textile and garment hub for fashion entrepreneurs.
- A woodwork and furniture facility for artisans.
Investing in Future Entrepreneurs
Odii’s dedication to long-term SME growth is evident in programs like the SMEDAN Undergraduate Internship Program (SUIP) at Baze University, providing students with hands-on business experience.
Additionally, his Women and Youth Desk Initiative ensures women entrepreneurs have direct access to funding and mentorship opportunities.
Enhancing SME Support and Food Security
To provide continuous business mentorship, Odii launched the MSME Clinic, a weekly platform where entrepreneurs collaborate with industry experts to address business challenges.
He has also introduced initiatives promoting family-level farming, aligning with the First Lady’s EveryHomeAGarden program, encouraging self-sufficiency and healthier eating habits.
A Lasting Legacy in Nigeria’s SME Sector
Odii has transformed SMEDAN into a digitally-driven agency, improving efficiency, progress tracking, and workforce engagement through structured programs and employee wellness initiatives.
His leadership is shaping a Nigeria where entrepreneurship drives economic growth, job creation, and innovation. Through his efforts, the SME sector is gaining momentum, positioning the country for sustained economic success.
Odii’s impact will be remembered as a catalyst for change in Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape, ensuring that SMEs continue to thrive and contribute to national development.
