Makinde Resuscitates Trade Fair in Oyo 15 Years After

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

Towards developing the economy of Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde, has resuscitated   the staging of  international trade fair in the state 15 years after the last one was held.

The state Commissioner for Trade, Investment, Industry and Co-operatives, Hon. Ademola Ojo, made the disclosure during  a press conference held in Ibadan yesterday  ahead of the trade fair, tagged: EXPOYO 2024.

 According to him, the expo will commence on February 23 and end on March 6, at the Permanent Trade Fair Complex ground, Sango- UI Road, Ibadan, the state capital.

He said trade fair is being organised by the state government in partnership with the Oyo State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OYCCIMA), adding that the trade fair would be declared open officially on February 27 by Governor Makinde.

 “We want to let the people of Oyo State and Nigeria in general  to see our preparedness towards having a successful 2024 International Trade Fair, tagged: EXPOYO 2024.

“We seriously appreciate first, the Governor of Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde for being magnanimous enough to grant approval for this 2024 trade fair.

“The last time we had this was 2009, and there have been pressures on previous administrations to hold this kind of trade fair because it happens every other year, even in neighbouring states, and some other states.

“But to God be the glory, we are having it now. It is due to Governor Makinde’s magnanimity. So, we appreciate him. The governor has performed wonders in all other spheres beyond this.

“The administration of Governor Makinde has its own agenda, which has to do with the  sustainable development agenda between 2023 and 2027. In line with this agenda, there is need to showcase our potentials to the people of Oyo State, and to the outside world to bring in further developments. It will surely bring in developers and investors.

“When you have investors, they will bring development to the economy of Oyo State, which is paramount. The paramount aim is to develop more the economy of this state. So, the purpose by which the government is collaborating with OYCCIMA, is principally because we want a positive improvement in the economy of this state.”

He added that the trade fair would also help the state to harness  and bring all potential out for them to be patronized.

The President of OYCCIMA, Dr. Daniel Gbadero, said exhibitors are being expected to participate in the exhibition from Oyo State and across different states in Nigeria, adding that many foreign investors have also indicated interests to participate in the trade fair.

The President, Odu’a Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ODUACIMA), Chief Wole Akinwande, who is also the Deputy President of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), promised the readiness of the association’s national body to support the organisers of the trade fair to ensure its success.

He stated that no fewer than 10 foreign companies have indicated interest to participate in the trade fair.

The Chairman, Organising Committee of the trade fair, Adeniran Adewoyin, said all arrangements have been concluded for the 2024 trade fair in the state to be a success.