The impact of the policies and programmes of the present administration in Ogun State on businesses continues to receive recognition nationally as the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has won the Best Governor in Enterprise and Investment Promotion in Nigeria Award for the year.

Governor Abiodun won the award at the 5th Nigeria National S.M.E Business Awards 2025 organised in Lagos by the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria (ASBON).

The State also had three other winners at the ceremony which was themed, “ Sustainable Business Practices: The New Competitive Advantage for SMEs”.

Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola E Sofela won the Most Supportive State Commissioner Award, Special Adviser and Deputy Director General, Ogun State Investment Promotion and Facilitation (OgunInvest), Ms. Sola Arobieke was honoured as SME Hero in Public Service while OgunInvest emerged the Most Vibrant State Investment Promotion Agency in Nigeria for the year.

Speaking during the award presentation ceremony which was themed, “Sustainable Business Practices: The New Competitive Advantage for SMEs”, National President, ASBON, Dr. Femi Egbesola said the award was presented to deserving individual stakeholders and institutions to recognise their efforts  on catalysing the SME ecosystem.

Egbesola added, “it is our way of encouraging leaders and stakeholders to keep supporting SMEs to grow, to scale-up, and thrive. This is our own way of trying to push them to do more”.

Responding, Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment,  Mr. Adebola Sofela who was represented by the Director, Industrial Promotion in the Ministry, Engr. Kehinde Akintomide lauded the ASBON for the recognition assuring that the State remains strong in its commitment to continuously empower small businesses to flourish.

Sofela who highlighted some of the MSME-driven reforms carried out by the Abiodun-led administration to include Ogun State business Environment Council (OGBEC), MSMEs Business Clinics, establishment of the Ogun State Enterprise Development Agency (OGSEDA) among others affirmed that ,“ Ogun State continues to lead with purpose in creating an enabling environment that places MSMEs at the center of inclusive growth and economic transformation”. 

Delivering the keynote address on the theme of the programme, Chief Executive Officer, Fate Foundation, Mrs. Adenike Adeyemi stated that in spite of glaring challenges businesses would help themselves by focusing on the various opportunities that abound in the country adding that the future is bright for those who maintain focus and turn challenges into opportunities.

Other winners at the ceremony include: Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (SMEDAN) with SME Most Friendly Federal Government Agency, and  German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) bagging SME Most Supportive Development Partner in Nigeria; Managing Director, 7up Bottling Company, Mr. Ziad Maalouf also got SME Impact Leader Award/SME Man of the Year.

The Deputy Director General, Ogun State Investment Promotion and Facilitation (OgunInvest), Ms. Sola Arobieke received the Best Governor in Enterprise and Investment Promotion in Nigeria award on behalf of  Governor Abiodun.