Oyetola approves establishment of e-commerce, digital economy unit

Osun State governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, on Thursday formally declared open the maiden edition of the Osun South-West Local Governments Agriculture and Mineral Resources Trade Fair with a hint o that its administration has approved the establishment of the e-commerce and Digital Economy Unit in the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Cooperatives and Empowerment to boost its economy.

Speaking at the programme held at the Trade Fair complex, Aje International market, Iso-Osun, the governor represented by his deputy, Benedict Alabi, stated that “this Fair, which is expected to have a positive multiplier effect on the economy of the States in the South-West, is aimed at maximally harnessing the potential of each Local Government Councils in the South-West and showcase such globally.

“The South-West States are basically agrarian. Thus, bringing all the Local Government Councils in the West together to showcase their respective agricultural products and mineral resources will help to bring the hidden treasures to the fore, shore up Internally-Generated Revenue and make the South-West a hub for agricultural products and minerals resources.

“By so doing, investors and prospective buyers will know where to get what and invariably the South-West will be a commercial focus parading exportable finished and semi-finished products.

“A number of Commodity Exchange Centres have evolved in the State. Specific and farm products such as plantain, bananas, potatoes, pineapples, Cocoa, etc., are being aggregated daily in specific areas. The Fair is expected to draw buyers and investors from far and near for the various farm produce.

”In view of the recurrent dwindling oil revenue from the Federation Account, the need for diversification from oil exportation to non-oil source of revenue can never be overemphasised.

“This period of harsh economic downturn, collaboration for the economic transformation of our region is a sine-qua-non for the sustainable economic development of our region and the nation.

“It is therefore commendable that Osun Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OSUCCIMA) and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Cooperatives and Empowerment in collaboration with BTG Africa have thought it fit to put this event together to rally our local governments, the primary sources of our development, to exploit their products, add value through the digital economy to put the South West on the lane of sustainable economic development.

“The hosting of this Trade Fair is apt as it is coming at an auspicious time that the Federal Government has instituted the Economic Transformation Agenda to pull the nation out of the unworkable monolithic, oil-dependent economy and deliver sustainable economic growth.

“A study says every State in the nation has at least four mineral resources in commercial quantity. South West states obviously have more. This is an indication that we have no business with lack and want. It is also proof that our destiny lies in our own hands by exploiting our potential to embrace abundance.

“It is, therefore, laudable that we have joined the Economic Transformation Agenda train of the Federal Government by putting up this Trade Fair to strategise, exploit and harness our potential in critical sectors of the economy. This is the obvious way out of the economic uncertainties. There is no doubt that we have the potential to boost our economy for the good of our people. What is left is to exploit technology to maximize our value addition efforts.

“It is indeed heart-warming that this Trade Fair is coming up again in the State after many years. With the hosting of this Fair, we are happy to break the jinx of over 17 years of inability to host a successful Fair. This is an indication that we are ready for exploits and we must resolve to make it regular and be strong on implementation for the sustainable development of our state and our region.

“Ss we all know, Trade Fairs are veritable platforms for the advancement of the individual, corporate and national ingenuities. This Trade Fair will no doubt help to showcase the economic potential of the Local Government Councils, particularly in the area of agriculture and mineral resources.”

In addition, “the Trade Fair will, among other things, promote accelerated development of commerce and industry, agriculture and agro-allied industry; help showcase made-in-Osun and made-in-South-West-States goods, indigenous services and technology; promote interaction among manufacturers, marketers and consumers; attract investments from sister States, and encourage and expose Nigeria’s non-oil exportable commodities.

“I must say that the theme for this Trade Fair, Stimulating Value Addition through Digital Economy for Nigeria’s Sustainable Development, is highly apt and in tandem with the current trend in economic transactions and development. Thus, the Fair could not have come at a better time than now.”

In his own speech, the state commissioner for Commerce, Industry, Cooperatives and empowerment, Dr Bode Olaonipekun, hinted that there are 3,000 lock-up shops waiting for occupation at the Trade Fair centre saying, the Oyetola administration would do its best to make the state economy outsmart that of other states in the country.

He however appealed to all southwestern states to intensify more efforts in bettering their economy to make their states worthy of living for their citizens.

YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

We Have Not Had Water Supply In Months ― Abeokuta Residents

In spite of the huge investment in the water sector by the government and international organisations, water scarcity has grown to become a perennial nightmare for residents of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. This report x-rays the lives and experiences of residents in getting clean, potable and affordable water amidst the surge of COVID-19 cases in the state.