Manufacturers, business owners, investors and producers of consumer goods from across Nigeria are expected to converge in Ado-Ekiti, from 9th December to 14th December, 2024 for the Ekiti Trade Fair 2024.
The State Commissioner, Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Mrs Omotayo Adeola who made this known during a joint media briefing in Ado-Ekiti, said the six-day fair jointly organized by the State Government in collaboration with the Ekiti Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (EKICIMMA), would provide a dynamic platform for businesses, investors and stakeholders to connect, collaborate and explore cutting-edge products and services.
Mrs. Adeola said the trade fair with the theme “Empowering Businesses for Sustainable Economic Growth” would be held at the Permanent Trade Fair Complex, Old Iyin Road, Ado-Ekiti.
According to the Commissioner, the trade fair aims to among other things promote innovation, entrepreneurship and investment opportunities across multiple sectors.
“This is the first time we are engaging big companies and sellers of fast-moving consumer goods. We also have agricultural investors in the state participating. People will be able to buy goods at affordable prices,” she said.
Shedding light on the event’s highlights, Mrs. Adeola noted that the fair would feature exhibitions, networking opportunities, business clinics, seminars and youth & innovation hub.
She said the organizers of the fair deliberately chose to host the fair around the festive season so that people of the State can make their Christmas purchases directly from manufacturers at rock bottom prices at the fair.
She urged Ekiti residents to attend and enjoy discounted prices on goods, adding that the State Government would sponsor raffle draws to further engage participants.
In her remarks, the Chairman of Ekiti Trade Fair 2024 Organizing Committee, Dr. Abimbola Oni, emphasized the fair’s potential to serve as a dynamic platform for businesses, investors and stakeholders.
“This year’s fair is focused on showcasing local and international innovations across agriculture, technology, manufacturing, arts and crafts. It’s an exceptional opportunity for businesses to connect and collaborate,” she said.
Dr. Oni also revealed that each Local Government Area in the State would participate, with dedicated days for special attractions such as cultural displays, fun fairs and other activities designed to set the tone for the festive season.
“We want everyone in Ekiti to embrace this trade fair—our businessmen, women, entrepreneurs, and unions alike,” she added.
Also speaking, State Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Mr Oluwasegun Ojo disclosed that apart from the fact that all the councils in the State would have exhibition stands at the fair, efforts are in top gear to mobilize people from the 35 council areas to take part in the landmark event.
The Ekiti Zonal Manager of Wema Bank, Mr. Rotimi Famuwagun, expressed the bank’s readiness to provide financial support to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) during the fair.
“We are committed to collaborating with organizers, distributors, and attendees to ensure our SMEs achieve fair and sustainable success,” he said.
In his remarks, President of EKICCIMA, Alhaji Olufemi Hassan stated that the Ekiti Trade Fair would be a pivotal event for driving economic development in Ekiti State, urging owners of Micro, Medium and Small Scale Enterprises and individuals interested in participating to register through EKICCIMA or the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives.
Packaged by Mayowa Owogbade
