The Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (DEMSMEDA) has presented its proposed 2026 budget to the Ministry of Economic Planning, with a renewed focus on expanding access to finance, markets, and business capacity building for entrepreneurs across the state.
Speaking with journalists after the budget defence in Asaba, the Executive Secretary/CEO of DEMSMEDA, Dr. Godwin Adolor, said the session went smoothly and that the budget team had reviewed and adopted the agency’s proposals.
“I’m pleased to tell you that the budget presentation went well. The budget team committee has seen it and adopted it,” Adolor said.
Dr. Adolor outlined the agency’s key priority areas for 2026, emphasizing that DEMSMEDA will continue to operate on its three “cardinal pillars” for MSME development: Access to Finance, Access to Market, Access to Capacity Building.
According to him, these pillars are essential for strengthening micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Delta State.
“In 2026, we will continue providing access to finance, access to market, and access to capacity building,” he said. “This means MSMEs will have opportunities to get funding, trade their goods and services, and acquire the knowledge they need to grow.”
He stressed that many businesses fail simply because owners lack the necessary knowledge to manage and sustain their operations.
“You must not rely only on personal experience. You must learn from others who have been in business. With the right knowledge, you can grow a business for years, even decades,” he added.
Reflecting on the outgoing 2025 fiscal year, Adolor said DEMSMEDA had made significant progress in identifying genuine MSMEs across the state. This profiling exercise, he said, has helped the agency determine who is truly engaged in micro, small, or medium-scale businesses.
“This identification enabled us to train the right people and prepare them for support,” he noted.
He also announced that Delta State will hold its first-ever Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Summit from December 3 to 5, 2025. The summit will bring together MSME operators, financial institutions, support organisations, and development partners to provide training, share ideas, and discuss solutions to challenges facing small businesses.
“This is a major milestone — the first of its kind in the state,” Adolor said.
Adolor disclosed that DEMSMEDA, in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady of Delta State, recently awarded grants of ₦150,000 each to 320 beneficiaries in the agribusiness and creative sectors.
“We gave grants of at least ₦150,000 to support their businesses, and they were very happy. We did this in collaboration with the governor’s wife,” he said.
Responding to questions on the profiling process, Adolor explained that the agency used its newly designed website to advertise and collect applications from MSME operators.
According to him, profiling helps determine genuine businesses and ensures that grants and support are properly used.
“For new MSMEs, they can register and apply through our website: www.demsma.deltastate.gov.ng” he announced.
Dr. Adolor concluded by reaffirming that DEMSMEDA would continue to empower entrepreneurs, strengthen small businesses, and support the governor’s MORE Agenda for economic expansion.
“My name is Godwin Adolor, and I can assure you we are committed to moving MSMEs in Delta forward,” he said.
