Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has flagged off the 15th Gateway International Trade Fair with the theme, “Promoting Businesses Through Partnerships,” at the M.K.O. Abiola Trade Fair Complex, Laderin, Abeokuta.
Speaking at the opening ceremony through the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela, Governor Abiodun charged participants to take full advantage of the platform to network, forge purposeful partnerships, and expand their businesses.
He described the Trade Fair as a consistent platform for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to showcase their products, build valuable connections, and contribute to the economic prosperity of both their enterprises and the state.
Governor Abiodun reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the business-enabling environment, noting that deliberate reforms and investor-friendly policies are already attracting significant investments into Ogun State.
“Ogun State has been intentional and deliberate about providing necessary infrastructure and implementing policies that create an enabling environment for businesses—both small and large. The inflow of investments into the state is evidence that these efforts are yielding results, and more investments are in the pipeline,” he said.
The Governor commended the Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA) for its professionalism and consistency in organising the Trade Fair over the years, while also appreciating private sector players and investors for their support.
In his welcome address, the President of OGUNCCIMA, Lion Niyi Osiyemi, applauded the state government for sustaining a business-friendly environment that has enabled six consecutive editions of the Trade Fair in the last six years. He appealed to the government to assist in constructing a permanent pavilion for the Chambers and urged participants to maximise the networking opportunities provided by the event.
Also speaking, the National President of NACCIMA, Engr. (Dr.) Jani Ibrahim, represented by Asiwaju (Dr.) Michael Cole, praised Governor Abiodun’s business-friendly policies, noting that Ogun State has increasingly become a preferred destination for investors.
In her goodwill message, Dame Adesola Adebutu commended the consistency of the Trade Fair and stressed the importance of sustaining commerce-friendly leadership. She also encouraged traders and business owners to become active members of chambers of commerce, drawing parallels with practices in China.
Exhibitors at the fair, including Mr. Razak Adeyemi and Mr. Matthew Adebayo, described the turnout of visitors as impressive and commended both OGUNCCIMA and the state government for the successful organisation of the event.
The Gateway International Trade Fair is an annual event organised by OGUNCCIMA in collaboration with the Ogun State Government.
Leave a comment