Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has extended an invitation to investors worldwide to capitalize on the abundant investment opportunities available in the state. The governor assured potential investors that his administration is committed to fostering an enabling environment conducive to the growth and prosperity of their investments.
This call to action was made during the closing ceremony and raffle draw of the 13th Gateway International Trade Fair held at the M.K.O. Abiola Trade Fair Complex in Laderin, Abeokuta. At the event, Mr. Adewunmi Adeleke, a Protocol Officer with the Ogun State House of Assembly, emerged as the grand prize winner of a two-bedroom bungalow, while other attendees won various consolation prizes.
Represented by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Governor Abiodun stated that the government has implemented several strategic initiatives aimed at promoting a favorable environment for investment and sustainable development. These initiatives include establishing agencies such as the Office of Public-Private Partnership, the Bureau of Public Procurement, the Business Environment Council, and the Enterprise Development Agency, all geared towards supporting local and foreign investors, particularly in the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. These measures are designed to enhance the ease of doing business and attract foreign direct investment (FDI) into the state.
“Let me use this medium to invite well-meaning investors to tap into the enormous investment opportunities our state offers,” the governor said. “All sectors of our economy are open for partnership. We have opportunities in areas such as funding, infrastructure development, human capital development, and more. We remain unwavering in our commitment to the overall development of the state’s economy.”
While calling for continuous support from the private sector, Governor Abiodun revealed that the government’s efforts to make Ogun State more viable have been fruitful, as a significant number of new companies have established operations within the state.
Speaking on the trade fair, jointly organized by the state government and the Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, Abiodun described this year’s edition, themed “Achieving Economic Prosperity Through Business Connection, Trade, and Investment,” as a “record-breaking and benchmark-setting fair.” He assured attendees that the next edition would surpass the achievements of this year’s event.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela, commended the collaboration among stakeholders, which has contributed to the success of the Trade Fair. He urged all stakeholders to continue leveraging the opportunities derived through the exhibition and further collaborate to unlock the full potential of the state’s economy.
Sofela acknowledged the resilience of businesses, many of whom were exhibitors at the Trade Fair, and disclosed that despite the economic challenges in the country, there has been an influx of businesses into the state, positively impacting employment opportunities for residents and the state’s economy.
In his welcome address, the President of the Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, Mr. Mike Akingbade, described this year’s edition as the best in the history of the exhibition and a platform studied by other states. He commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for creating an enabling environment for the event and appealed to the government to continue building on the established strong partnership with the Chambers, requesting the construction of permanent pavilions at the M.K.O. Abiola Trade Fair Complex in Laderin, Abeokuta.
The grand prize winner, Mr. Adewunmi Adeleke, expressed surprise at his emergence as the winner and praised the raffle draw initiative, calling for its sustenance in future editions. Businesswomen Mrs. Rukayat Dairo, Chief Executive Officer of Threadline Coutures, and Mrs. Rahmat Ahmed, Sales Officer at ParkIn by Raddison, described this year’s edition as a memorable event that was well-attended by local and international visitors, echoing the call for the construction of permanent pavilions at the Trade Fair Complex.