10th November, 2021
The Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Shotobi has called government and stakeholders to organize trade fairs in Ikorodu.
Oba Kabir made the call at the 16th Business Luncheon of the Ikorodu Chamber of Commerce (ICCI) on Tuesday which held at Oteju hall, Ikorodu town Hall. It was themed “The Impact of Trade Fair/Exhibition on Business Growth and Development.
The monarch was represented at the event by Otunba Ayodele Elesho. “Kabiyesi wishes there is trade fair in Ikorodu for people to see business happenings in the community, he said.
He also urged all practitioners to join forces with the chamber in boosting business transactions in Ikorodu.
“One of the first benefits I noticed from ICCI is the opportunities they provide for other business associates locally and internationally, maximizing the advantages of synergy in trade and industrial networking Valuable information sources”
“Commerce is the exchange of goods and services, especially on a large scale and ICCI creates that potentials for lkorodu Division with feasible means for members to grow in their transactional realm,” he said.
Hon. Babajimi Benson, the National Assembly member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency and Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Defence lauded the group for the business luncheon.
He was represented by iCare Foundation’s DG Deen Sanwo-Ola.
While speaking Mr Sanwo-Ola called on the local government to do better to protect MSMEs in Ikorodu and called on the ICCI to create more visibility for businesses through its platform.
Mrs. Lola Akande, Commissioner for Commerce Industry and Cooperatives in Lagos represented by Mrs Folake Falana, a Director in the ministry was the guest speaker at the event.
Mrs. Folake spoke on The Impact of Trade Fair/Exhibition on Business Growth and Development.
In her presentation, the director revealed how trade fairs play a pivotal role in economic prosperity of Lagos State and solidify its spot as the fifth-largest economy in Africa.
She asserted that the impact of trade fairs cannot be emphasized noting that MSMEs that have participated in trade fairs in Nigeria has narrated some of their gains and successes recorded through networking, mentorship, funding among others.
“Lagos state as the 5th largest economy in continent of Africa, trade fairs/exhibitions has helped to enhance hotelling, restaurant, connecting buyers and sellers with knowledge sharing both locally and globally. It has contributed to the GDP of the country, providing direct growth liaison both the private and public sector in reducing business expenses” Mrs. Folake said.
Prof Kunle Ade Wahab (President ICCI) in his closing remarks urged practitioners in Ikorodu to take advantage of the 35th Lagos International fair.
“It is the goal of the chamber to collaborate with existing businesses thereby develop Ikorodu into a megacity of scaling enterprises.”