Wider Perspectives group, a firm headquartered in Port Harcourt, is marking its first 10 years of existence with a record of spending N244m to train and empower almost 5000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Niger Delta.
The company also said it did not only create 493 jobs within the 10 years but also connected 293 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). It also launched over 30 flagship initiatives within the period. The firm for now focuses on four states of the Niger Delta while hoping to segment further into other states in the Niger Delta and later all of Nigeria.
As the firm celebrates 10 years of empowering SMEs, it is mounting its 10th edition to make maximum impact with a flagship initiative, the Wider Perspectives Small & Medium Enterprise (SME) Conference, scheduled to hold on Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Launched in 2013, the Wider Perspectives SME Conference is said to be a private sector-driven initiative established to support the growth and development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria.
According to a statement released by Edughom Hanson, a certified management consultant (CMC) who is managing director, Wider Perspectives Limited said the conference was initially hosted annually across Bayelsa, Abia, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers states (collectively known as the BAAR States). The statement said the Conference served as a platform for building entrepreneurial capacity, improving access to finance & markets, and strengthening local economies.
“Based on research insights and stakeholder feedbacks, the Conference was later consolidated into a single, high-impact annual event, the Wider Perspectives Annual SME Conference. This transformation has enabled greater reach, deeper impact, and a more unified approach to enterprise development.
“Now in its 10th year, the Conference has evolved into a national platform for innovation, networking, capacity building, and business growth, drawing participation from thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and development agencies.
The statement said this year, “We are bringing economic development stakeholders to converge in Rivers State with focus on stimulating investment and business development in the State and beyond with the theme – Harnessing Economic and Investment Opportunities, scheduled to hold on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at Golden Tulip Hotel (Former L.A Kings), Stadium Road, Port Harcourt.
“The Conference stems from a strong need to facilitate economic development and ensure the business community can effectively maximize growth opportunities available to them.”
The hybrid conference is mounted free to participants because of the need to spread business and entrepreneurial knowledge across board in the region and in Nigeria. “Expected stakeholders at the conference are notable business leaders, small businesses, entrepreneurs, government regulatory & development agencies, startups, business enthusiasts and non-governmental organizations within the SME ecosystem.”
Hanson said the Wider Perspectives SME Conference has become more than an event; “It is a movement for inclusive economic growth and sustainable enterprise development. As we celebrate 10 years of measurable impact, we reaffirm our commitment to unlocking opportunities and driving prosperity for SMEs across Nigeria.”
