The Oyo State International Trade Fair (EXPOYO 2024) held on Monday with Governor Seyi Makinde promising that the trade fair will now be held yearly in the state.
Makinde gave the assurance at the event held at the Permanent Trade Fair ground at Samonda area, Ibadan, stating that the trade fair was last held on the ground in the year 2009.
Declaring open the 2024 fair, Makinde said it was imperative for the nation to develop its export market so that the Naira can compete favourably in the foreign exchange market.
Notwithstanding the present economic hardship, Makinde stressed that states and the federal government must latch on to the opportunities that lurk around challenging times, especially boosting the nation’s production base.
He noted the state was keen on producing and packaging exportable products as well as benefiting from the economies of proximity to Lagos, the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria.
He vowed that the state government would not spare any effort at attracting investments to the state, wondering why Oyo State cannot boast of as much Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) as Lagos, despite their proximity.
Speaking, President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Mr Dele Oye, declared that NACCIMA was keen to hold an Oodua States Trade Fair in Ibadan, following the resuscitation of the Ibadan Trade Fair.
In the same vein, President, Oyo State Council of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OYCIMA), Dr Daniel Gbadero, said states must continue to hold trade fairs to promote both Nigeria and Africa made products.
Giving his remarks, Oyo Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Cooperatives, Mr Demola Ojo, said the state would continue to explore avenues for collaboration, facilitate a conducive environment for investment.
He asserted that the state will henceforth ensure proper use of the permanent Ibadan Trade Fair site through regular exhibitions.
At the trade fair ground were various organizations who exhibited their goods and services.
