Stories by Mike Adeyemi
All arrangements have been concluded for the 7th Kwara Trade Fair, scheduled for between March 28 and 8th April, 2018.
The trade fair is organised by the Kwara Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KWACCIMA), in conjunction with a marketing consultant, Anista Marketing and Events Limited.
Speaking to Pilot Business in Ilorin on Tuesday, President of KWACCIMA, Dr. Ahmed Adeoye Raji, said the essence of the fair is to promote Made-in-Nigeria products.
According to him, no fewer than 100 Local and International manufacturing industries would participate in the trade fair.
“The fair is aimed at bringing to fore importance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the state,” adding that investors and exhibitors from the ECOWAS countries, Brazil, Germany, Netherlands and the Peoples Republic of China had indicated interest to participate.
Raji further said that the fair is also aimed at promoting potentials of the largely agrarian states like Kwara, noting that the state is a home of raw materials for agro-based manufacturing, pharmaceutical, paper manufacturing and furniture among others.
Speaking in the same vein, the Director General of KWACCIMA in the state, Barrister Ayo Fagbemi stated that the “primary aim of the trade fair is to serve as a platform for employment generation and youth empowerment in Kwara State.”
The theme of the trade fair according to Fagbemi is, “Development of small and medium enterprises; panacea for the Growth and Development of Nigeria”.
The KWACCIMA DG also called on the three tiers of government in the country to pay special attention to the MSMEs in order to contribute to national growth and development, saying that it is capable of complementing governments’ efforts at enhancing economic growth and development of Nigeria.
Fagbemi further solicited the support of the people of Kwara state towards the success of the event, saying that the success of the fair would go a long way at improving and promoting businesses activities of the state.
The KWACCIMA DG commended efforts of Kwara State government at providing better infrastructure and conducive business environment, particularly with the bringing together of taxes as against the previous era of multiple taxations of industries in the state.
“At this junction, the Chamber hereby expresses its appreciation to the Kwara State Government, His Excellency, Dr. AbdulFatah Ahmed for his kindness and support towards ensuring the successful hosting of the Fair and above all for his untiring efforts at improving the business environment in Kwara State.”
Fagbemi said other highlights of the Fair include Product launches and marketing, exhibitions, B2B, shows, Special Day, cultural display, commercial activities, Musical performance by Nigerian notable artist and other exciting side attractions.
