Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to boost the local economy through the organisation of Trade Fairs and Business Expositions for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the State.
Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade & Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem gave the commitment at the closing ceremony of the 8th Lagos State MSMEs Exclusive Trade Fair held in Lagos on Saturday, themed: “Empowering MSMEs For AfCFTA Excellence Through Sustainable Economic Growth”.
According to her, the theme is appropriate and well-timed as it speaks to the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda of Mr. Governor, including the steps being taken to position women and youths to explore the benefits of AfCFTA and the global market in general.
Her words: “In the last five days of this great Fair, we have impacted and increased the local economic activities of the Lagos Division. Through the marketing and sales recorded by exhibitors, to the engagement of entrepreneurs, vendors and artisans dealing in marquee, shell scheme (booths), carpenters, electricians, food, chair and table rentals, cleaners and others, we have generated employment and improved standard of living. Therefore, the State Government will continue to ensure the sustenance of this Fair to activate more economic activities at the local level”.
Speaking further, the Commissioner revealed that the Fair has proven to be a period of networking among the MSMEs and visitors, along with fruitful deliberation during the Business Clinics; as it also remains a useful marketing platform, through which the State Government continues to promote the products and services of dogged entrepreneurs at no cost.
“Through this Fair, the administration of Mr. Governor has in no small measure, acknowledged the contribution of this sector as a driver and catalyst of a viable economy like ours”, she said.
The Commissioner appreciated the commitment, tenacity, magnanimity and determination of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to grow and develop the MSME sector through various support such as access to market, finance, infrastructure, etc, and for approving the organisation of the Fair, an effort that will eventually pay-off by making the sector compete favourably in Africa and global market.
The Chairman, All Progressives Congress, APC Lagos State Chapter, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi expressed interest in entrepreneurship and commended the Sanwo-Olu administration for the large number of women who were among the exhibitors, saying to empower a woman, is to empower the nation.
“Women are the epitome of development and growth because they contribute enormously in different dimensions and they need to be supported and respected in our society at large”, he said.
Managing Director, Lekki Worldwide Investment Limited, Mr. Tunde Sodade implored MSMEs to be dedicated, focused and determined in the course of their businesses. He advised that they should not relent in exhibiting their various talents, pointing out that such creativity would soon attract due reward.
General Manager, Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) urged all participants to work to rebrand, promote and above all, obtain the approval of the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to meet market standards. He also suggested that the Ministry assist MSMEs in facilitating NAFDAC registration so that the charges will be reasonable for them to pay.
Co-founder, Lagos Island Connect, Ms. Yemisi Ransome-Kuti emphasised the need for everyone to patronise locally-made products as that is the only way the nation can record real growth and reverse the decline of the national currency and the economy.
