WE'RE COMMITTED TO MAKING OGUN AFRICA'S INVESTMENT HUB- ABIODUN

By Our Correspondent

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has restated his administration's commitment to attracting local and foreign investments, to make the State the investors’ hub in West Africa.

Governor Abiodun made this known during the Ogun State Day and closing of the 11th Gateway International Trade Fair at the M.K.O Abiola Trade Fair Complex, Kobape Road, Abeokuta.

Abiodun, represented by his Deputy, Engr. (Mrs.) Noimot Salako-Oyedele said his administration had been creating enabling environment for businesses and opening up the State, as an investment destination of choice through various infrastructural projects.

"As a result of the government’s effort, the State is now the fastest growing economy and industrial capital of Nigeria. Our resolve, therefore, is to make Ogun State investors' hub, not only in Nigeria but the West Coast", he said.

Speaking on the theme of the Trade Fair, “Harnessing the Agricultural Value chain for Sustainable Industrial and Economic Development”, the Governor tasked farmers with value addition, stressing that his administration has focused on Agriculture as a major pillar of its ‘ISEYA’ agenda to diversify the economy and optimise the agricultural value-chain.

Abiodun stated that the special Agro-processing Zone status of the State would also aid in harnessing the agricultural value-chain, calling on the Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA) and other private sector players to tap into the special Agro-processing status.

Speaking earlier, Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe disclosed that the Fair had provided networking opportunities that would be sustained, as well as afford Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and large organisations the platform to showcase their products at attractive prices to visitors at the event.

Longe commended the support of members of the private sector including the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and MSMEs, stating that the support was a testimony of the confidence reposed in the present administration.

The Commissioner assured that the government would continue to create enabling environment for businesses to thrive, disclosing that one of the participants at the Trade Fair, Erisco Foods Limited was set to establish a production plant in the State.

In his welcome address, President, OGUNCCIMA, Alhaji Wasiu Olaleye who lauded the present administration for its support, said the 2022 edition of the Trade Fair was better than last year's edition, stating over 80 companies and 5,000 visitors participated in this year's edition.

He added that in recognition of the government's support, the Chambers decided to decorate the Deputy Governor as its Honorary Matron while Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe and her counterparts in Agriculture, Dr. Adeola Odedina, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Oluwatoyin Taiwo and Budget and Planning Olaolu Olabimtan were decorated as honourable members of the Chambers.

Performing the decoration ceremony, the former OGUNCCIMA President, Iyalode Alaba Lawson commended the Prince Dapo Abiodun led administration for its unflinching support to the Chambers and the Trade Fair.