Ogun State is on course at attaining a new status of becoming the regional hub for African trade with the Agro-cargo airport and the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone which has now been granted Free Trade Zone status.
The state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun stated this while declaring open the 13th Gateway International Trade Fair, themed, “Achieving Economic Prosperity Through Business Connection, Trade and Investment”, at the M.K.O Abiola International Trade Fair Complex, Laderin, Abeokuta, saying the two infrastructural projects would help harness the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
“This state-of-the-art airport which is embedded in our Special Agro Processing Zone (SAPZ), now a Free Trade Zone (FTZ), also has the AFREXIM and the Quality Assurance Centre. This is indeed a new dawn for Ogun State. These infrastructural masterpieces are not merely assets; they are regional catalysts poised to amplify trade not only within our domestic area but expansively into international region. With these developments, we are strategically positioned to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), ushering in a new era in which Ogun State is not just the gateway within Nigeria but a regional hub”, he said.
Abiodun pointed out that the state was not just opening a trade fair, but reinforcing the unwavering dedication of his administration towards creating a viable and functional business ecosystem that would reflect the sincerity and political will of his administration.
Governor Abiodun, while saying that the theme of the event was apt, as it underscores the vision and relentless drive for economic vibrancy, commending the Ogun State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA), for the event, noting that the platform signifies government’s commitment to further fortify the micro-economic fabric through over 6,000 industries in the state.
On his part, the Rwandan Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Christophe Bazivamo, promised his government’s participation at the next edition of the Trade Fair, as well as collaborate with the state in the area of trade.
Speaking, President, OGUNCCIMA, Engr. Mike Akingbade, thanked Governor Abiodun for his support, noting that the renewed collaborative efforts of the state government had positively impacted this year’s edition of the Fair, adding that the event aimed at building strong network, stimulate economic growth and enhance overall prosperity.
In his remarks, the National President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Otunba Dele Kevin, represented by its Director-General, Sola Obadimu, gave kudos to the state government for organising the Fair, commending the Federal Government for looking into issues of foreign exchange.
Contributing, a representative of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ-SEDIN), Mr. Ropo Omoware, commended the present government for organising the best edition in the Trade Fair’s history, noting that the event could maximise AfCFTA and checkmate dumping of goods from other African countries.
Earlier, Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela, noted that the Fair had become a hub for networking, partnership and knowledge sharing, urged participants to explore new opportunities, towards improving trade and investment in the state.
The Commissioner, who urged stakeholders to leverage on the platform, stated that there have been a number of initiatives like two-bedroom bungalow raffle grand prize, free daily transportation and an Entertainment Village had been introduced to improve this year’s exhibition.
Commenting, one of the exhibitors at the Fair, Chief Executive Officer, J’s Foods ‘n Groceries, Mrs. Boluwatife Olatunde, commended the organisers for the Fair, adding that the event had provided the platform to expose her business and connect her to relevant stakeholders.
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