Ahead of the 14th Gateway International Trade Fair scheduled for February 7th to 17th, 2025 at the M.K.O Abiola Trade Fair Complex Abeokuta, the Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA), has been charged to fully assume leadership role for the exhibition, mobilise corporate organisations and work towards improving on past achievements.
Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela, gave the charge during the Press Conference held in Abeokuta to herald this year’s edition which is themed, “Promoting Business through Partnership” assuring that the State government would not renege in providing enabling environment for the continuous success of the Trade Fair.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola, Sofela who listed past support of the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration to include, the enhancement of the M.K.O Abiola Trade Fair Complex, provision of other critical infrastructure like perimeter fencing, a transformer, consistent financial support among others which had aided the continuous improvement of the event, assured that the Ministry would not abandon the Chambers.
“As the organisers of this prestigious fair, I encourage OGUNCCIMA to fully assume her leadership role in ensuring the success of this event. The Gateway International Trade Fair is your fountain, your legacy and your responsibility to uphold. While the government has been instrumental in demonstrating effective strategies in past editions, it is important to reiterate that our primary role is to create enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
“In alignment with our promise, the Ministry has already taken proactive steps in response to your requests, we have reached out to relevant stakeholders. If there are additional assistance required, please do not hesitate to engage us,’’ Sofela said.
The Commissioner who commended the OGUNCCIMA for its unwavering commitment to promoting trade, investment and industrialisation through the Fair urged the Chambers to leverage the industrial hub status of the State by attracting diverse participation from the abundant pool of industries operating in the Gateway State including members of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).
In his address, the President OGUNCCIMA, Lion Niyi Osiyemi, stated that all efforts were in top gear towards meeting set targets for the Trade Fair, assuring that this year’s event would be bigger and better than past editions.
Osiyemi disclosed that, the Chambers had embarked on familiarisation tours to create more awareness about the benefits of joining the Business membership Organisation, promising to intensify efforts on the area of familiarization with industries ahead of future editions of the Trade Fair.
