Exhibitors in Jos decry low patronage

Exhibitors at the ongoing fair in Jos, organised by Deutche Gassellschaft fur Internatione Z Usammenarbeit (GIZ), a German organisation, on Thursday expressed concern over low patronage.

Most of the exhibitors interviewed attributed the situation to the location of the fair, which is in the outskirts of Jos.

Mr Steven Sake, of the Associated Foods Ltd, said that the patronage could be rated at about 40 per cent, due to the location of the fair grounds.

“The area is secluded from the city centre and completely hidden from passersby.

“It is not an easily accessible area and if one is not mobile, it’s a very long walk from the town,’’ he said.

Also, Jemima Auta, Director, Jems-Age Ventures, who is into leatherworks, beads, Ankara, crafts, spices, disinfectants, and agro products, said that the patronage at the exhibition had not been encouraging.

“The people that have visited my stand said the quality of my products are good but a bit expensive, but the truth is that they are actually paying for value and patronage generally has been poor here,’’ Auta said.

Mr Sunday Apegi, who deals in medicinal herbal teas, said the venue of the exhibition was not centrally located and that it had greatly affected the level of patronage.

Apegi advised the organisers to situate exhibition centres centrally, to make them more accessible to the people.

During the survey, there was low human and vehicular traffic at the event.

The five-day fair which is in its maiden edition, opened on Tuesday, Feb. 28 and is scheduled to round-off on Saturday, March 4.