Presidency Partners with Tuface to Promote MSME Development, Job Creation

The Job Creation and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Secretariat in the Office of the Nigerian Vice President has entered into an agreement with popular Nigerian musician, Mr. Innocent Idibia, also known as Tuface.

The agreement was signed on Friday in Abuja, with Mr. Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation, signing on behalf of the Vice President’s office, and Mr. Innocent Idibia signing for himself.

Tuface Appointed as MSME Brand Ambassador

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Adekunle-Johnson stated that the partnership with Tuface now makes him a job creator and MSME Brand Ambassador. He explained that this partnership will help to woo support for MSMEs, as well as promote ideas and initiatives under the National MSME Awards.

The presidential aide also said that the partnership would promote the Expanded National MSME Clinics, Shared Hubs for MSMEs Initiative, and other related activities around the job creation program of the government.

Leveraging Tuface’s Expertise and Goodwill

Mr. Adekunle-Johnson expressed optimism that Tuface’s expertise and goodwill would help promote citizen participation in all programs aimed at creating jobs and supporting businesses.

“With the President Bola Tinubu’s administration slogan of trying to support small businesses and create jobs, we thought of how best we can sustain the momentum of creating jobs and promoting all the activities of the MSMEs, awards, hubs, and the single-digit loan,” he said.

Tuface’s Commitment to the Partnership

In his response, Tuface appreciated President Tinubu’s administration for its support to the youth and small businesses. He promised to create more awareness in the country about MSMEs, especially among the youth, and expressed gratitude to the government for the confidence it has placed in him.

“Most of our youths today are facing so many things that can easily sway them from following the right positive trajectory of life. But with this, people might even underestimate the power and value that this will bring to both the individuals, their communities, and the country as a whole,” Tuface said.

Stakeholder Reactions

Mrs. Sarah Ajayi, the Deputy Director of the Office of Trade and International Relations at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), stated that “entertainment is what attracts the youths,” and that having Tuface as a brand ambassador is a positive move.

Also, Mr. Chukwuemeka Nwakile, the Acting Group Regional Manager of Access Bank Plc., reiterated the bank’s commitment to empowering the youth in the area of job creation, stating that they will “go all out to ensure that the job creation mantra of the government is not just by word of mouth but by action.”

Potential Impact on Nigerians and the Economy

This partnership between the Nigerian Vice President’s office and the iconic musician Tuface represents a strategic move to leverage the power of celebrity influence and popular culture to drive initiatives aimed at supporting small businesses and creating jobs.

With Tuface as a brand ambassador for MSMEs, the government is tapping into his widespread appeal, particularly among the youth, to raise awareness and promote participation in programs that can empower aspiring entrepreneurs and drive economic growth.

The emphasis on initiatives like the MSME Clinics, Shared Hubs, and the National MSME Awards suggests a concerted effort to provide practical support and resources to small businesses, which are widely recognized as important drivers of job creation and economic development in Nigeria.

If executed effectively, this partnership has the potential to inspire and motivate young Nigerians to not only explore entrepreneurial opportunities but it will also foster a more vibrant and inclusive MSME ecosystem that can contribute to the country’s overall economic prosperity.