The business stimulative nature of the 2nd edition of Ikorodu Trade Fair also known as IKODIV has spurred the Lagos State Governor, Mr Lagos State Babajide Sanwo-Olu to reaffirm his aim at providing a conducive environment and enabling business growth in the State.
A collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, and the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, LASUSTECH, the Ikorodu Division Expo is organised by the Ikorodu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI).
Held at the LASUSTECH campus, It is organised to energise small-scale enterprises, recognising their key potential to an inclusive and sustainable recovery for economic development.
The official opening of the trade fair peaked on Monday, 27th of March 2023, with likes of royal personalities; HRM, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, Ayangburen of Ikorodu Kingdom, HRM, Oba Abdul-Semiu Oyebo, Obateru of Egbin Kingdom, HRM, Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, HRM, Oba Mudashiru Ajibade-Agoro, Ranodu of Imota and HRM, Oba (Engr) Bashir Aremu Sotonwa, the Sekumade of Ipakodo were all in attendance.
Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Dr. (Mrs.) Lola Akande at the opening ceremony, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Adetutu Ososanya, affirmed that the administration of Governor Sanwo-Olu is intentional about implementing programmes and projects meant to support businesses in the State.
She explained that projects like the Lekki Deep Sea Port in Ibeju Lekki; Lagos Rice Mill in Imota, here in Ikorodu; 18.75km Eleko-Epe six-lane rigid pavement expressway; the first phase of the 13 kilometres Lagos Blue Light Rail and others are all meant to enhance the State economy business scale.
“Without doubt, these projects are already impacting labour and many enterprises positively in different parts of the State”.
“Ultimately, MSMEs will form the greater percentage of beneficiaries as they work towards the sustainable recovery for economic development” Mrs Akande added.
Over 100 product exhibitors enlisted for the trade extravaganza, showcasing their unique products and services.
The President, of Ikorodu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Chief Kayode Shoderu expressed his delight in the organisation of the Expo, which he described as part of the commitment to building sustainable MSMEs.
According to Chief Shoderu, reiterating his earlier statement at the press conference before the launch, the Trade Fair (IKODIV) gives a platform to showcase products and services while exploring opportunities for growth and innovation.
The Keynote Speaker and Lagos State Chairman, of the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Dr Adams Adebayo emphasised the need to support MSMEs as they are the backbone of every economy.
Dr Adams eliminated that the challenges confronting the MSMEs varied and include access to low-interest loans, inadequate infrastructure, subsistence and manual production, mindset and lack of innovative ideas.
He continued, “Relevant institutions must create access to low-interest funds for entrepreneurs to access while there is a need for MSMEs to scale up their production to meet local and export needs”.
“I also want to advise the Government to create a three-year pre-retirement entrepreneurship/investment window to transform public servants into entrepreneurs”, he stated.
In his brief address, the Vice-Chancellor, of Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Professor Olumuyiwa Odusanya averred that the Trade Fair is an opportunity to grow the economy of the Ikorodu Division.
Prof. Odusanya explained that focusing on the MSME sector can transform even the nation’s economy and lift people out of poverty.
“It is a time to market, sell and exchange goods and services”, he said.
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