Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun says his administration has made strategic efforts to improve the Ease of Doing Business in the State, as the State is open to mutually beneficial partnerships with genuine members of the private sector.
Governor Dapo Abiodun made this known in Abeokuta, during the celebration of Ogun State Day and the closing of the 12th International Gateway Trade Fair themed: ” Energy and Agriculture as Panacea to Economic and Sustainable Multi-Sectoral Growth: Ogun Pathway to Economic Prosperity”.
Represented by the State Head of Service, Dr. Nafiu Aigoro, Governor Abiodun noted the government had formulated various business-friendly reforms and policies cutting across tax, finance, energy, civil service, and judiciary sectors, as well as implementing programmes, with necessary infrastructure such as the establishment of the Special Agro Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) and Agro-cargo Airport, among others.
“We are doing all these to improve our Ease of Doing Business. The growing interest in Trade Fair across the country and indeed the world, attest to the status of our State as a land of opportunities and the preferred destination for investment in Sub-Saharan Africa. Let me also state that our doors remain open to partnerships and collaborations from genuine individuals and partners who find us worthy”, Abiodun said.
The Governor stated that the government was open to partnerships in different sectors of the economy, explaining that the it was also interested in partnerships in the energy sector, to aid the growth of all businesses including Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Prince Abidun, stressed that under his watch, the State had become one of the fastest-growing economic powerhouse in West Africa, assuring that his administration would not relent in its efforts to continue to create and enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
Speaking at the Trade Fair, Abiodun said the 2023 edition had lived up to expectations, adding that the event had grown in leaps and bounds to become a globally acclaimed forum for businesses to market their products and services.
He said,” the theme of the Fair is apt given the need for the diversification of the economy to agriculture, which will positively impact the State’s global competitiveness towards boosting food security’’.
Earlier in her address, Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe said the Fair provided a network for businesses, which would translate into economic growth of the State, noting that the present administration is receptive to various private sector initiatives that would improve the State’s economy.
Reiterating the commitment of the present administration to continue to create an enabling environment for all categories of investors across all sectors, Longe lauded the support of the Organised Private Sector towards the success of the Trade Fair, calling for more support from investors in the State.
In his welcome address, President, Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA), Engr. Mike Akingbade said the Fair had exceeded the predictions of many analysts despite the effects of the disruptive wind which affected the Fair Complex and the current challenges facing the country.
He appealed to the government to fulfill its promise of a project bus gift for the Chambers and provide a location for a training center and windbreakers to stem the tide of destructive wind which had over the years affected the Trade Fair Complex.
The highlight of the programme was the presentation of awards and certificates to outstanding exhibitors at the Trade Fair.