By LUCY OGALUE

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) says it plans to create 100 millionaire entrepreneurs through capacity building and financial grants.

This is contained in a statement released by SMEDAN on Thursday in Abuja.

The initiative will feature at the 2026 GROW Nigerian Conference scheduled for Nov. 8 to Nov. 10 at the Ecobank Pan African Centre, Lagos.

The conference, with the theme, “GROW Nigerian: The Next Frontier for Innovation, Policy and Market Access” will bring together entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors and development partners.

SMEDAN Director-General, Charles Odii, said the initiative would address challenges preventing entrepreneurs from translating their skills and ideas into viable businesses.

He said participants would receive practical training, financial support and business connections to establish, strengthen and expand their enterprises.

“The conference will feature masterclasses and the Zero to 100 Pitch Competition, which offers a N100 million prize pool.

“The final and prize presentations will hold on Nov. 10, while further disbursements will take place at another event in northern Nigeria,” he said.

Odii said the programme would equip entrepreneurs with skills in business management, pricing, marketing and financial management.

“The conference will feature the Nigeria First Fair, a three-day marketplace where members of the public can purchase products directly from Nigerian businesses.

“Corporate buyers and retailers will also have opportunities to identify local suppliers and establish business relationships.

“A business clinic will provide guidance on business registration, regulatory requirements and other operational challenges facing small businesses.

“A dedicated NAFDAC Summit on Nov. 9 will enable entrepreneurs to discuss registration requirements and regulatory challenges, while NAFDAC demonstrates its NAPAMS platform,” he said.

According to Odii, the conference will also feature a keynote address by Wale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive of Oando Plc, alongside sessions facilitated by business and industry experts.

He said other expected participants include the heads of the Bank of Industry, Development Bank of Nigeria, NEXIM Bank, NAFDAC and Corporate Affairs Commission.

The conference is being organised in partnership with GIZ, MTN, the Korea International Cooperation Agency and other development partners.

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is also expected to attend. (NAN)