…as Protocol Officer wins Two-bedroom bungalow during Raffle draw

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called on investors across the globe to tap into the enormous investment opportunities available to invest in the State assuring of his administration’s unwavering commitment to creating enabling environment for their investments to flourish.

Abiodun made the call during the closing ceremony and raffle draw of the 13th Gateway International Trade Fair held at the M.K.O Abiola Trade Fair Complex, Laderin, Abeokuta where a Protocol Officer with the Ogun State House of Assembly, Mr. Adewunmi Adeleke emerged winner of the grand prize of two-bedroom bungalow while there were other winners of consolation prizes during the raffle draw.

Abiodun who was represented by his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele said the government had put in place a number of strategic initiatives to promote conducive environment for investment and sustainable development.

“Recognizing the importance of fair access and transparency, agencies like the Office of Public Private Partnership (PPP) and the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), have been established alongside the Business Environment Council and the Enterprise Development Agency aimed at supporting both local and foreign investors, particularly in the MSMEs sector. These measures are geared towards enhancing the Ease of Doing Business and attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDIs) into the State".

“Let me use this medium to invite well meaning investors to tap into enormous investment opportunities our State offers. All sectors of our economy are open for partnership. We have opportunities in the area of funding, infrastructure development, Human Capital Development etc and we remain unwavering about the development of the overall State economy,” Abiodun said.

While calling for the continuous support of the private sector, the Governor disclosed that the efforts of government to make the gateway State more viable has been fruitful as "a sizeable number of new companies have opened in the State".

Speaking on the Trade Fair which is jointly organised by the State government and the Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA), Governor Abiodun described this year’s edition themed, “ Achieving Economic Prosperity Through Business Connection, Trade and Investment” as a “record-breaking and benchmark setting Fair” assuring that the next edition would surpass this year’s achievements.

Earlier in his remark, Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela commended the collaboration among stakeholders which has aided the success of the Trade Fair urging all stakeholders to continue to leverage the opportunities derived through the exhibition as well as further collaborate towards unlocking the full potential of the State economy.

Commending the resilience of businesses many of whom were exhibitors at the Trade Fair, Sofela disclosed that, despite the economic challenges in the country, there has been an influx of businesses into the State which has positively impacted on employment opportunities for residents and the economy.

In his welcome address, President, Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA), Engr. Mike Akingbade who described this year’s edition as the best in the history of the exhibition and a platform that has been studied by some other States, lauded Governor Dapo Abiodun for creating the enabling environment for the event.

He appealed to the government to continue to build on the already established strong partnership with the Chambers appealing for the construction of permanent pavilions at the M.K.O Abiola Trade Fair Complex, Laderin, Abeokuta.

In his reaction, the Grand prize winner, Mr. Adewunmi Adeleke who expressed surprise at his emergence as winner lauded the raffle draw initiative calling for its sustenance for future editions.

In their accounts about the Fair, Chief Executive Officer, Threadline Coutures, Mrs. Rukayat Dairo and Sales Officer, ParkIn by Raddison, Mrs. Rahmat Ahmed described this year’s edition as a memorable event which was well attended by local and international visitors also called for the construction of permanent pavilions at the Trade Fair Complex.