Participants at the forthcoming 13th Gateway International Trade Fair stand the chance of winning daily prizes and a grand prize of two-bedroom flat through the programme's Raffle draw just as the Ogun State government will also provide free buses to take participants from Kuto, Abeokuta to the M.K.O Abiola Trade Fair Complex, Laderin, Abeokuta and back to town between April 19 and 29, 2024 when the event holds.

Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela disclosed this in Abeokuta during a Press Conference jointly held by the organisers of the programme, the Ogun State government and the Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA) saying that the innovations were part of government efforts towards holding a successful trade Fair and improving the number of participants ever recorded in the history of the Trade Fair.

Sofela who was represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Oluyemisi Somorin-Dawodu said participants across the 20 Local Government Areas of the State would stand the chance of winning the prizes by purchasing at least a N500 raffle ticket noting that tickets would be available for sale across the State as from next week.

He added that the grand prize which would be won on the last day of the event was donated by Governor Dapo Abiodun to further aid the development of the Fair and also assist in the economic development of the residents of the State.

The Commissioner stated that some other innovations introduced to boost this year's edition of the Trade Fair include the provision of an entertainment village where participants and visitors can relax with their loved ones as well as a sick bay which would avail visitors and participants the opportunity of medical checkup.

The Commissioner who emphasized that this year’s Trade Fair would be different from past editions disclosed that work were in the pipeline to ensure the products sold at the exhibition are more affordable than at regular points of sale adding that government was already recording successes as many industries operating in the State have signified interest in participating at the event.

“I am pleased to emphasize that the Ogun State Government is fully committed to providing a conducive environment for the success of this event. We recognise the pivotal role that such events play in driving economic growth, creating employment opportunities and enhancing the competitiveness of our local industries” Sofela said.

In his address, President, Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA), Engr. Mike Akingbade said this year’s edition is geared towards connecting businesses and creating a platform for policy makers and regulatory agencies to interact with the business community towards the development of the State economy.