Nigeria, July 26 -- Take a stroll through the lively streets of Uyo, peek into the crowded markets of Benin City, or watch the busy ports of Port Harcourt, and you'll quickly see that the South-South region of Nigeria pulses with entrepreneurial spirit. With six richly blessed states - Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers - and a population hovering around 21 million, this region stands tall as one of Nigeria's economic powerhouses. Oil wells dot its landscape, fertile soil supports diverse crops, and its people are industrious and vibrant. Yet, despite all this promise, countless micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) here are stuck in a frustrating cycle: plenty of hustle, but not enough sustained growth.

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