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The Ogun State Chambers of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture, (OGUNCCIMA), has said it is ready to host the 2024 Gateway International Trade Fair, which is to host numerous companies, foster trade and investment in the state.
OGUNCCIMA President, Engr. Mike Akingbade, made this known on Thursday during a press conference in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital heralding this year’s edition with the theme: “Achieving Economic Prosperity Through Business Connection, Trade and Investment*.
Engr. Akingbade highlighted that the trade fair would hold between 19th to 29th April, 2024 at the MKO Abiola Trade Fair Complex, in Abeokuta, adding that the Chamber is working with the Ogun State Government’s ‘Building Our Future Together’ agenda for the economic growth.
He emphasized that the trade fair is an exhibition designed for industries to showcase their products and services with the aim of creating awareness, examining market trends and opportunities, maintaining customer relations, and prospecting for new businesses.
Engr. Akingbade boasted that this year’s edition will be climaxed with a raffle draw, disclosing that the star prize is a 2-bedroom bungalow courtesy of the Ogun State Government in collaboration with chambers of commerce.
“OGUNCCIMA – Gateway International Trade Fair is a dynamic convergence of diverse industries, bringing together a wide array of exhibitors representing industry, trade, agriculture, and services”.
“It is a veritable platform for fostering business exchange between local and international stakeholders through B2B, B2G, and B2C networking, which is a key focus of this 13th Edition”.
“This 13th edition of the Gateway International Trade Fair is also geared towards connecting businesses and creating a platform for policymakers and regulatory agencies to interact with the business community, with a view to understanding and appreciating each other’s vital role in the development of the state economy, job creation, and overall prosperity”.
“This year’s edition will be climaxed with a raffle draw. The star prize is a 2-bedroom bungalow courtesy of the Ogun State Government in collaboration with OGUNCCIMA”.
‘Similarly, for the first time in the history of Ogun State International Trade Fair, an Entertainment Village is being created for relaxation and social engagements. There will be no dull moments”.
“OGUNCCIMA is joining the Ogun State government in “building our future together in the area of Agribusiness, to increase her productivity, and to encourage and develop SMEs through the influx of investors into the state, making her the investment place of choice”, Engr. Akingbade added.
On his part, the Ogun State Commissioner for Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment Emmanuel Sofela, reiterated that the 13th Gateway International Trade Fair is aimed to serve as platform for showcasing the economic potential of the state, promoting trade and investment opportunities, and fostering partnerships both locally and internationally.
Sofela, represented by Special Adviser to Governor on Trade and Investment, Oluyemisi Somorin-Dawodu, explained that the state government would leverage on the opportunity of the trade fair to showcase the rich diversity of its industries and highlight the state’s investment potential.
Sofela stated that the state governor had approved the donation of a two-bedroom flat to be won during the trade fair through raffle draws
He reiterated that other innovations include provision of free bus transportation from Kuto to the Trade Fair ground at Laderin and back to town, introduction of an entertainment village, where participants and visitors to the fair can relax and enjoy their time with loved ones.
“This fair serves as a premier platform for showcasing the economic potential of our State, promoting trade and investment opportunities, and fostering partnerships both locally and internationally”.
“I am pleased to emphasize that the Ogun State Government is fully committed to providing a conducive environment for the success of this event”.
“We recognize the pivotal role that such events play in driving economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and enhancing the competitiveness of our local industries”.
“As part of our efforts to make the 13th Gateway Trade Fair 2024 a resounding success, we have introduced some innovations such as Provision of free bus transportation from Kuto to the Trade Fair ground at Laderin and back to town, Introduction of an entertainment village, where participants and visitors to the fair can relax and enjoy their time with loved ones, Introduction of a daily raffle ticket draw, with consolidated prizes to be won on a daily basis*.
“His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, has graciously approved the donation of a two – bedroom flat for this purpose*.
“I urge all stakeholders to be fully engaged in making the 13th Gateway International Trade Fair a resounding success. Let us leverage this opportunity to showcase the rich diversity of our industries, highlight our State’s investment potential, and forge meaningful collaborations that will propel us towards greater prosperity”, he said.
