Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has officially flagged off the 15th edition of the Gateway International Trade Fair, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening the state’s business climate and attracting more investments.
The Trade Fair, themed “Promoting Businesses Through Partnerships,” is holding at the M.K.O. Abiola Trade Fair Complex, Laderin, Abeokuta.
Represented at the opening ceremony by the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela, Governor Abiodun urged exhibitors and participants to maximise the platform to build strategic alliances, expand their market reach and unlock new business opportunities.
He described the annual Trade Fair as a dependable platform for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to showcase their products, connect with partners and contribute meaningfully to the economic development of Ogun State.
According to the Governor, his administration has been deliberate in implementing investor-friendly policies and upgrading infrastructure to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
“Ogun State has been intentional and deliberate about providing necessary infrastructure and implementing policies that create an enabling environment for businesses—both small and large. The inflow of investments into the state is evidence that these efforts are yielding results, and more investments are in the pipeline,” he said.
Abiodun commended the Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA) for sustaining the Trade Fair over the years, describing the body’s consistency and professionalism as critical to the state’s commercial growth. He also appreciated private sector stakeholders and investors for their continued support.
In his welcome address, OGUNCCIMA President, Lion Niyi Osiyemi, lauded the state government for maintaining a business-friendly environment that has made it possible to successfully host six consecutive editions of the Trade Fair in the last six years. He appealed to the government to support the construction of a permanent pavilion for the Chambers to further strengthen the event’s infrastructure.
The National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Engr. (Dr.) Jani Ibrahim, represented by Asiwaju (Dr.) Michael Cole, also praised the state government’s economic policies, noting that Ogun State is increasingly emerging as a preferred investment destination.
In her goodwill message, Dame Adesola Adebutu commended the organisers for sustaining the Trade Fair and stressed the importance of consistent commerce-driven leadership. She encouraged traders and business owners to actively participate in chambers of commerce, citing global best practices.
Exhibitors at the event, including Mr. Razak Adeyemi and Mr. Matthew Adebayo, expressed satisfaction with the turnout of visitors and applauded both OGUNCCIMA and the Ogun State Government for the successful organisation of the fair.
The Gateway International Trade Fair is an annual event organised by OGUNCCIMA in collaboration with the Ogun State Government, serving as a key platform for business networking, trade promotion and investment attraction in the state.