Katsina ‘Akra’ Entrepreneur Wins N7.5m National MSMEs Award
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has congratulated Ibrahim Nuhu Kankia, Chief Executive Officer of the ‘akara’ brand, Kosai Republic, on his outstanding achievement at the 8th National MSMEs Clinic 2026 Awards, where he won a cash prize of ₦7.5 million sponsored by the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM).
The award came days after the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu’s comment on akara business stirred a national debate, especially among Gen Zs, who felt the Kosai business is not profitable enough.
The 25-year-old entrepreneur, a final-year Pharmacy student at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria hails from Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Radda described the award as a proud moment for Katsina State and a clear proof that young people can succeed when they are given the right support and opportunities.
“I warmly congratulate Ibrahim Nuhu Kankia on this remarkable achievement. His success is a source of pride to Katsina State and an encouragement to many young entrepreneurs. It shows that with hard work, innovation and the right support, our youths can compete and excel at the national level,” he said.
The Governor said that the 25-year-old entrepreneur, represents the kind of resilient and creative young people the state is committed to supporting.
Radda expressed delight that Kosai Republic is one of the success stories of the Katsina State Enterprises Development Agency (KASEDA) Mentorship Programme.
He acknowledged the role played by the Director General of KASEDA, Dr. Babangida Kabir Ruma, whose mentorship helped shape the business into a nationally recognised enterprise.
The governor also noted that the business benefited from the KASEDA Interest-Free MSMEs Loan Scheme, an initiative designed to provide entrepreneurs with the financial support needed to grow sustainable businesses.
He said the achievement validates the state’s investment in entrepreneurship development and youth empowerment, adding that the government will continue to create opportunities that enable small businesses to thrive.
The governor encouraged other young entrepreneurs across Katsina State to take advantage of KASEDA’s mentorship programmes, business development services and financing opportunities, assuring them of the government’s commitment to building a stronger economy driven by innovation, enterprise and job creation.
He wished Ibrahim Nuhu Kankia greater success in his entrepreneurial journey and expressed confidence that his achievement would inspire more young people across the state to pursue their business ambitions with determination and excellence.
