Makinde woos foreign, local investment, reintroduces trade fair after 15 years

Oyo Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has stated that the re-introduction of the Trade Fair which was previously held 15 years ago is aimed at attracting local and foreign investment.

Governor Makinde who spoke through the Commissioner for Trade, Investment, Industry and Co-operatives, Ademola Ojo, at a press conference held in Ibadan on Tuesday ahead of the trade fair, tagged: EXPOYO 2024 said the Trade Fair would boost the economy of the state.

He disclosed that the Trade Fair which is being organised by the state government in collaboration with the Oyo State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, (OYCCIMA) would commence on February 23 and end on March 6, this year.

According to him, “We want to let the people of Oyo State and Nigeria in general 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 approve 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 a need to showcase our potential to the people of Oyo, 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.”

Ojo added that the trade fair would also help the state to harness and bring all potentials out for them to be patronised saying: young entrepreneurs that must be supported to grow.

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 interest in participating in the trade fair.

The President, Odu’a Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ODUACIMA), 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 in participating 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.

He added that necessary security arrangements have been made to ensure a hitch-free programme.