LECTURE ON ACCESS TO FINANCE- The Need to Embrace Blockchain Technology as a Means of SME Funding

 

*LECTURE ON ACCESS TO FINANCE*

The Need to Embrace Blockchain Technology as a Means of SME Funding

Delivered by:

Moses O. Igharo

07/07/2026

Head of Operations:

*HAAGEN Global Service Limited*

A Cryptocurrency & Blockchain Development Company

Protocol

The Executive Governor of Edo State, represented here today; the Management and Staff of Edo Shoe Manufacturing Company; distinguished guests; captains of industry; trainers; graduating artisans; ladies and gentlemen.

It is both an honour and a privilege to address this gathering on behalf of HAAGEN Global Service Limited, a Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Development Company committed to building innovative digital financial solutions that empower individuals, businesses, and communities.

Today's lecture is titled:

"Access to Finance: The Need to Embrace Blockchain Technology as a Means of SME Funding."

Introduction

The world is changing at an unprecedented pace. Just as the Industrial Revolution transformed manufacturing, the Digital Revolution is transforming finance, commerce, and entrepreneurship.

Today, your greatest asset is not only the skill you have acquired in shoemaking, leather works, fashion, furniture making, welding, or any other trade. Your greatest advantage is your ability to combine those skills with modern technology.

The future belongs to those who embrace innovation.

The Challenge Facing Small Businesses

Across Nigeria, thousands of talented artisans possess exceptional skills but lack the financial resources to grow their businesses.

Many cannot obtain bank loans because they lack collateral, credit history, formal financial records, or guarantors.

As a result, many promising businesses remain small, despite their enormous potential.

This is where Blockchain Technology presents a transformative opportunity.

What is Blockchain?

Blockchain is a secure digital system for recording transactions. It allows information to be stored transparently, permanently, and securely without relying on a single authority.

Many people associate blockchain only with Bitcoin or cryptocurrencies. In reality, blockchain is much broader.

It is the technology powering the next generation of finance, supply chains, healthcare, education, land administration, digital identity, and business financing.

Just as the internet changed communication, blockchain is changing the way value moves around the world.

Blockchain as a Tool for SME Funding

Traditional financing depends largely on banks.

Blockchain introduces new funding models.

Through blockchain, entrepreneurs can:

- Raise capital from investors across the world.

- Receive digital payments instantly.

- Build transparent financial records.

- Tokenize business assets.

- Access Decentralized Finance (DeFi) lending platforms.

- Participate in blockchain-based crowdfunding.

This means a skilled shoemaker in Edo State can attract customers and investors from Africa, Europe, America, or Asia without leaving Nigeria.

Why This Matters to Edo Artisans

Edo State has a rich history of craftsmanship.

Imagine if every graduate here today could:

- Sell products globally.

- Accept digital payments securely.

- Build an international customer base.

- Access investors beyond local banks.

- Expand production through blockchain-enabled financing.

This is no longer a dream.

It is already happening around the world.

Opportunities Created by Blockchain

Blockchain creates opportunities in several areas:

- Digital Payments

- Supply Chain Tracking

- Business Transparency

- Smart Contracts

- Cross-border Trade

- Investment and Crowdfunding

- Digital Identity

- Asset Tokenization

- SME Financing

- Financial Inclusion

These innovations reduce business costs, increase transparency, and improve trust between businesses and investors.

Responsible Adoption

While blockchain presents enormous opportunities, we must approach it responsibly.

Not every cryptocurrency project is genuine.

Some projects are fraudulent.

Therefore:

- Learn before investing.

- Verify every project.

- Never invest money you cannot afford to lose.

- Work only with licensed and credible organizations.

- Seek professional advice before making financial decisions.

Technology is powerful, but knowledge remains the greatest protection.

The Role of HAAGEN Global Service Limited

At HAAGEN Global Service Limited, our mission is to bridge traditional businesses with the digital economy.

We believe blockchain should not only benefit technology companies but also farmers, artisans, manufacturers, traders, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and small businesses.

Through blockchain innovation, digital financial solutions, and business development services, we are committed to empowering Nigerian entrepreneurs to compete globally.

Our vision is to make blockchain technology practical, accessible, and beneficial to everyday businesses.

Message to the Graduating Artisans

Today marks the end of your training but the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey.

As you leave this institution, I encourage you to:

- Build your business with integrity.

- Continue learning every day.

- Register your business.

- Keep proper financial records.

- Embrace digital technology.

- Learn blockchain and digital finance.

- Build products that can compete globally.

Do not limit your dreams to your local community.

The customer who changes your life may be thousands of kilometres away.

Technology makes that possible.

Conclusion

The future economy will not belong only to those with capital.

It will belong to those with knowledge, innovation, and the courage to embrace change.

Blockchain technology is opening a new chapter in finance and business development.

For Nigerian SMEs, it offers greater financial inclusion, wider access to investment, increased transparency, and unlimited global opportunities.

The artisans graduating today have every reason to be optimistic.

With your skills, determination, and the right technology, you can build businesses that create wealth, provide employment, and contribute meaningfully to the economic development of Edo State and Nigeria.

I congratulate every graduating artisan, appreciate Edo Shoe Manufacturing Company for investing in skills development, and encourage all stakeholders to continue supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation.

Together, let us build a future where every skilled Nigerian entrepreneur has access to finance, global markets, and the limitless opportunities of blockchain technology.

Thank you for your attention.

God bless Edo State.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.