Former Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Dr. Olawale Fasanya, has recounted how many people doubted his judgment after he left a lucrative position at the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) to take up a significantly lower-paying role at SMEDAN.

Fasanya made the disclosure on Thursday in Abuja during the presentation of his autobiography, Cradle to Saddle, where he reflected on key decisions that shaped his career and eventual rise to lead the agency.

According to him, he voluntarily gave up a monthly salary of about N1.2 million, along with several workplace benefits and international travel opportunities, to accept a position at SMEDAN that paid less than N300,000.

He explained that at the time, he was serving as a general manager at PTDF and enjoyed numerous privileges, including regular overseas training trips and premium travel arrangements.

Despite these benefits, Fasanya said he felt dissatisfied because he was unable to contribute meaningfully in his role.

He recalled that although a new chief executive at PTDF encouraged him to remain in the organisation, he preferred to move to an environment where he could play a more active role and make a tangible impact.

According to him, the decision was not motivated by financial gain but by a desire for purpose and professional fulfillment.

Fasanya noted that he chose to return to SMEDAN, where he initially had fewer benefits and travelled on economy class, unaware that the move would eventually lead to his appointment as Director-General.

Reflecting on the decision, he said he has no regrets, stressing that his return to the agency allowed him to contribute to its growth and continue a journey that began when he joined as its first employee.

He explained that he was employee number 001 at SMEDAN and took pride in eventually becoming the first Director-General appointed from within the agency’s ranks.

According to him, previous heads of the agency had been appointed from outside, making his appointment by former President Muhammadu Buhari on June 6, 2022, particularly significant.

Fasanya said looking back, he believes his decision to leave PTDF and return to SMEDAN ultimately proved worthwhile.

Speaking at the event, Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, represented by his deputy, Faruk Lawal, praised Fasanya’s dedication to the agency and the development of Nigeria’s small business sector.

Radda described him as one of SMEDAN’s pioneering officers who remained deeply committed to the organisation’s vision and mission throughout his career.

The governor also revealed that he personally recommended Fasanya to succeed him as Director-General when he left the agency to contest for the governorship of Katsina State.

According to him, the recommendation was based on Fasanya’s competence, integrity and long-standing commitment to the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises in Nigeria.

Radda expressed gratitude to the late former President Buhari for approving the recommendation, adding that subsequent events had validated the decision.

Also speaking at the event, former Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Gbenga Komolafe, commended Fasanya’s contributions to enterprise development.

Komolafe described him as a dedicated professional and longtime associate, noting that SMEDAN’s initiatives under its leadership had positively impacted more than 39 million Nigerians.

He said the achievement underscored the agency’s role in supporting entrepreneurs and strengthening the country’s small business ecosystem.