Upperhill News

The saying that, “if you keep doing things same way, you will keep getting the same result,” came to bear with the 2024 Gateway International Trade Fair held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital between April 11 and 29, 2024.

Before now, there had been clamour from stakeholders on how to improve the trade fair to attract more exhibitors and increase patronage. Ordinarily, the Gateway International Trade Fair is usually organized by the Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture ( OGUNCCIMA) in conjunction with Ogun State Government.

As a way of addressing the issues relating to the fair and give it a real international outlook, the present adminsitration in collaboration with OGUNCCIMA decided to change the narrative by introducing some initiatives that will help achieve the set goals.

For instance, the manner investors were carried along in this year’s edition was impressive given the presence of over 250 local and international exhibitors compared to the 50 exhibitors of the previous year, aside other commitment they made to the success of the edition.

It is interesting to note that the government organized a breakfast meeting with investors on the very day of the opening ceremony which served as a prelude to the much anticipated Trade Fair. The meeting provided a platform for captains of industry and Chief Executive Officers to rub minds with the Governor of Ogun State.

Governor Dapo Abiodun on his part used the opportunity of the earlier scheduled meeting to thank the CEOs for their contributions towards the fair and explained various government plans and programmes.

Some of the programmes he highlighted included the imminent approval of scheduled and non-scheduled flight at the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport, Iperu, that would enhance seamless movement of raw materials into the state and promote export.

The Governor also revealed that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the special processing zone as a free trade zone in the Remo axis to further boost economic activities.

Expressing determination of the present administration to address the bottlenecks around import and export activities, Prince Abiodun added that the government would soon flag-off Kajola Dry Port in Ogun to enable investors in Ogun State ship their goods into the state from anywhere in the world and export through the same channel without having to get to Tin Can Island in Lagos State.

Without mincing words, the all-encompassing transportation plan of the government was reflected in the passionate presentation of the Governor who also mentioned that the Gateway State would extend the red and blue rail from Lagos to promote the movement of goods and services, just as he expressed the irrevocable commitment of his administration to completing not only the Agbara-Lusada Expressway but also the internal roads in the industrial areas which would be given priority attention.

As a way of encouraging participants and increasing patronage of good and services at the fair, the organisers provided free transportation for people to and fro the international Trade Fair complex in various places in Abeokuta, the state capital, including Kuto, OPIC Roundabout, Lafenwa, Ita-Osin, Adatan, Fagol, Obantoko, all in Abeokuta. This move indeed increased the number of people who attended the fair throughout the 11 days.

Similarly, the introduction of entertainment village which provided a place for fun and relaxation during the fair was another attraction at the fair. Of particular note was the traditional aesthetics given to the entertainment village as a way of promoting our culture and giving it more prominence even before the investors.

The entertainment village gave room for series of competitions including dance to really show that “all work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy.” This was of great delight to participants who always looked forward to new activities each evening of the fair especially for the manner the winners were compensated with various handsome prizes.

One major thing that presented a good take-away from the event was the raffle draw which was newly introduced. It offered opportunities to participants to buy ticket for N500 and win prizes and give-aways while a 2-bedroom bungalow was announced as the star prize.

There were draws at the entertainment village every evening throughout the fair but the grand draw was done on the final day at the closing ceremony where one Mr. Adewunmi Adeleke won the star prize of a two-bedroom bungalow.

The lucky winner, in an interview expressed surprise at this emergence, just as he pleaded for the sustainance of the lofty initiative aimed at redefining the status of the winner.

In another vein, apart from the beehive of economic activities witnessed at this year’s Gateway International Trade Fair as it afforded people to buy goods at reduced rates as well as have access to service providers, the free medical services provided during the event would remain indelible in people’s hearts. It is on record that free consultation, free drugs, free eye glasses, among other health services were rendered to further promote the stance of government in ensuring sound health for its citizenry.

The Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela, whose appointment has brought numerous creative approaches to the operations of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment,commended stakeholders for their collaboration, urging them to further leverage the opportunites the fair presented towards unlocking the full potentials of the state.

Sofela assured that the continued commitment of the present administration to infrastructure would remain second to none, just as he said the government would relentlessly leverage on the abounding opportunities in the state based on its geographical location especially proximity to Lagos to promote businesses and enhance shared prosperity.

Worthy of note is the painstaking efforts of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Somorin-Dawodu, who worked round the clock to ensure that the narrative of the Gateway International Trade Fair is completely changed.

Speaking with newsmen, Mrs. Somorin-Dawodu said the improvement witnessed in this year’s edition was a product of thinking out-of-the-box in line with the Rebuilding Ogun State agenda of the present administration, assuring that subsequent editions would build on the success recorded this year.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola, underscored the benefits of the expanded 2024 Trade Fair which he described as an opportunity to further open up the State for business and directly impact the economic activities of the exhibitors as well as Micro Small Medium Entrepreneurs( MSMEs) in the Gateway State.

In the words of the President, OGUNCCIMA, Engr. Mike Akingbade, “this Trade fair edition is the best in the history of the exhibition and a platform that has been studied by other states. The government should continue to build on the already established partnership with the chambers.”

On his part, a representative of the Germany Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ-SEDIN), Mr. Ropo Omoware, commended the government for organizing the best edition of the fair in history, pointing out that it could be a platform for businesses to network and maximize the African Continental Free Trade Agreement as well as help in making sure Nigeria does not become a dumping ground for good from other African countries.

Speaking with newsmen at the closing ceremony, Mrs. Rukayat Dairo and Mrs. Rahmat Ahmed, who were both exhibitors at the fair, described the 2024 Trade Fair as a memorable one which was well attended by both local and international visitors.

Femi Onasanya, the Press Officer attached to the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, wrote via femibimboo@gmail.com