Anyikwa, SMEDAN’s Head Corporate Affairs Elevated

Mr. Levi Chukwuemeka Anyikwa
(Pix: SMEDAN 2010)

Mr. Levi Chukwuemeka Anyikwa, Head, Corporate Affairs of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has been elevated to Assistant Director. His elevation was contained in the result of the promotion exercise conducted by the Agency which was released recently.


A World Bank-trained Strategic Communication Professional

Anyikwa, who’s a World Bank-trained Strategic Communication professional and with varied experience in journalism, public relations and human resource management joined the SMEDAN in 2004.

He has a National Diploma in Mass Communication from Anambra State Polytechnic Oko, (1986) and is a 1989 graduate of Mass Communication from Anambra State University of Technology, Enugu, now Enugu State University of Science and Technology. He also holds a Master of Science (M.Sc.) Degree in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management obtained in 1996 from the University of Lagos.

Anyikwa started his career in journalism in 1985 with the defunct Nigerian Mirror, an Onitsha-based community newspaper and later in 1987-1988 worked with the Government-owned Daily Star newspaper as an industrial attaché and Lineage Reporter.

Upon graduation from the University, he worked with the African Innovations Magazine (an Ikeja-based science magazine) as Correspondent from where he moved to Newbreed and The President Magazines published by Chief Chris Okolie (of blessed memory) as Reporter-Researcher.

He also had stints with BusinessNigeria Magazine (as Copy Writer/Special Assignments Editor), NOW Magazine (as Abuja Bureau Chief) and The Guardian Abuja Bureau (as Business and Economy Correspondent).

Anyikwa as a Public Relations Officer

Aside from journalism, Anyikwa was a Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Lagos-based Afro Properties and Investment Company Limited, Assistant Personnel Manager, Promotex Industrial Company Limited and later Special Assistant to the Chairman, Frank Briscoe Nigeria Limited. His latest promotion, notwithstanding, Anyikwa remains the Head of Corporate Affairs of SMEDAN.

It’s worthy to note that SMEDAN was established by the SMEDAN Act of 2003 to promote the development of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector of the Nigeria Economy.

The Agency positions itself as a "One Stop Shop" for Micro MSME development. Micro Enterprises are included in the clientele of the Agency since they form the bedrock for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME's)

SMEDAN’s vision amongst others is to establish a structured and efficient micro, small and medium enterprises sector that will enhance sustainable economic development of Nigeria

With the mission of the Agency as facilitating the access of micro, small and medium entrepreneurs/investors to all resources required for their development it stimulates, monitors and coordinates the development of the MSMEs sector,

SMEDAN Initiates and Articulates Policy Ideas for MSMEs

SMEDAN also initiates and articulates policy ideas for micro, small and medium enterprises growth and development. The Agency’s justification for existence stems from the fact that it recognizes the need to trigger the development of Nigeria's MSMEs in a structured and efficient manner.

Further to that SMEDAN also believes that a well developed MSMEs sector has proven to be one of the most veritable channels to combat poverty in Nigeria.

While SMEDAN is determined to stimulate and support enterprises and help businesses overcome barriers to growth, it also provides business planning, development information and advice that places business on a sure, confident footing.

SMEDAN's available services include Business Support Centers (BSCs), Business Information Centers (BICs) and Capacity building and promotional services