MAYORESS OF IKOSI-ISHERI LCDA HOSTS MAIDEN EDITION OF TRADE FAIR AND EXHIBITION TO BOOST LOCAL ECONOMY IN LAGOS
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area made history on Monday, with the successful launch of its maiden trade fair, held at the Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu Market, Ikosi, Lagos.
The 2024 Trade fair and Exhibition, themed: “Building Prosperity Through Trade, Innovation and Partnership.”, brought together small and medium enterprises from various sectors to showcase their products and services.
The event was officially opened by the Mayoress of the LCDA, Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada, who emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses as a catalyst for economic growth.
In her opening address, she stated, “This initiative is a demonstration of our commitment to empowering small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs). It is a platform for businesses to thrive and build opportunity for local entrepreneurs to network, innovate, and reach a wider audience.”
Mayoress reaffirmed her connective vision to growth and success in every corner of Ikosi-Isheri while assuring stakeholders that the trade fair would become an annual event, with plans to expand participation and it’s reach not only in the local council but also in the state.
She said, “Every opportunity should be within reach, not just for a selective few, but for all who are willing to put in the work. It is from this very belief that I have made a deliberate and intentional decision to make this trade fair free for all participants. This is not just a gesture but, a commitment to ensuring tat no entrepreneur in Ikosi-Isheri LCDA is left behind.”
“No matter their background, resources or stage in business, in this challenging economy and time, I wanted to provide an opportunity for all particularly small and medium scall enterprises to showcase their products, build networks and find new avenue for growth without any financial barriers.”
“This administration believes that for true progress to happen, we must invest in the people, their ideas, businesses and vision and that is what today’s trade fair represents. A direct investment in you the vibrant entrepreneur of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA. This is a five-day free trade fair, a platform for growth, opportunity and innovation. ”
“Over the next five days, I urge you to make the most opportunity to all our vendor, showcase your best work, connect with new client and establish lasting partnerships.”
“To our visitors and customers, take the opportunity to explore what our local businesses have to offer and support our home-grown talent. As we open this trade fair today, I am reminded of how far we have come together but I know we still have much more to accomplish together.”
She assured that her commitment to the LCDA is stronger than ever stating that she is proud of the progress that has been made, adding that her dedication to the people of Ikosi-Isheri is unwavering.
In his remarks, Hon. Femi Saheed, Honourable member representing Kosofe constituency 2, commended the Mayoress for the great works that have been done in the LCDA, noting that the maiden edition of Ikosi-Isheri 2024 trade fair and expo exhibition, is the first of it’s kind by any LCDA and organized solely by a council chairman.
He congratulated the exhibitors, for showing resilience and believe in the LCDA acknowledging that the initiative is what the government is meant to do by creating an enablement for business to strive which has been done by the Mayoress.
Hon. Saheed, advised residents to take advantage of the exhibition to get some things especially in this festive season.
He said, “When I came into this venue this morning, I was amazed with arrays of clothing materials, cosmetics, food items, drinks, shoes, communication gadgets and so many others, and I believe that this initiative is going to boost prosperity, improve commerce and enhance the entrepreneurial skills in so many ways.”
Participants expressed enthusiasm about the platform. Mrs. Rasheedat Ogunbadejo, who is into the business of finger food and drinks and also an exhibitor, said, “This trade fair has given me the visibility I’ve been longing for. I’ve gained new customers and even secured a potential partnership.”
She advised other potential exhibitors to make use of every opportunity to showcase their products and wares while thanking the Mayoress for this great platform to enable her showcase her business.
Mrs. Fausat Yusuf, a Co-founder and CEO of Royal Siblings, showcased her brand comprising of Ofada rice, Honey infused with herbs and spices and roasted groundnuts for human consumption.
She said, “Thankfully, I have been able to make some sales today, though, I would have wanted it to be more than that. I haven’t connected with other buyers yet but a lot of my potential buyers are online and I have sent them the flier and information about what’s going on here. ”
“The Mayoress has tried to make an impact and has started on a very good note. I have been wanting to see this kind of thing taking place in Ikosi-Isheri for a very long time and we thank God that it has seen the light of day.”
“I pray that this will be the first of the many more exhibitions that the local government will organize.”
Mrs. Ololade Ibrahim, who is into fashion jewelry and accessories made from Nigerian Gemstones thanked the Mayoress and everyone who has made the exhibition successfully, praying that the next edition will be bigger and better.
She said, “Today is the first day, and I expect that by tomorrow, people will come in troops to patronize us and we’ll all go home smiling.”
Another exhibitor, Olamide Awoshiga, who exhibited Ankara craft comprising of bags, shoes amongst other. She prayed that the Almighty will continue to strengthen the Mayoress to do more
The event featured over a 100 exhibitors, ranging from food and drinks vendors, fashion designers, home interior decorations, to event planners as well as agricultural producers amongst others..
Visitors were treated to a variety of goods, including locally made crafts, organic products, and innovations.
The maiden trade fair has set a promising precedent for economic and social development within Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, highlighting the potential of community-driven initiatives to foster growth and innovation
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