Kunle Adelabu
-Gets NACCIMA endorsement
-Over 100 MSMEs Exhibitors to participate
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Olushola Sanwo – Olu, is billed to declare the 2nd edition of the Ikorodu Division Trade Fair (IKODIV 2023 Trade Fair) open. The annual event will hold between March 26 and April 2, 2023.
Organisers also revealed that over 100 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have already registered their interests to participate by exhibiting their products and services at this year’s trade fair.
The annual gathering of MSMEs, organised by the Ikorodu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), will afford participants the opportunity to network and engage in interactive sessions like seminars and workshops.
The annual fair, themed, “MSME – Key to an inclusive and Sustainable Recovery for Economic Development”, is organized by the ICCI, in conjunction with Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Ikorodu, and supported by the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives.
ICCI chieftains made these revelations known at the press conference held at the Boardroom of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Ikorodu, on Wednesday, to herald the IKODIV 2023 Trade Fair.
The 8 – day business event is slated to be held at the LASUSTECH Convocation Ground, Ikorodu.
Sir (Engr.) Olukayode Shoderu, President, ICCI, addressing the gathering at the briefing, said that the trade fair is one of the ways the organization is promoting economic development by availing small and medium businesses the opportunity to showcase their goods and services.
“As you all know, the ICCI was set up with the primary objective of promoting commerce, industry and economic growth in the division”, he said.
“Over the years, we have worked tirelessly to create avenues of growth and the improvement of businesses to thrive and we are proud to say that we have made significant efforts in achieving this objective.
“Our annual trade fair event is one of the many ways we demonstrate our commitment to the economic development of our community. This event provides a platform for entrepreneurs, business owners including Macro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), to showcase their products and services, to network and engage in business transactions”.
The ICCI President also stated that it is imperative to help the MSMEs to grow, because it is only through that way that there can be economic and social developments in Ikorodu Division.
“As an organization, we are convinced that promoting entrepreneurship and providing support for small and medium size enterprises are crucial to the economic growth of our division. This is why we have made it our vision to provide support and guidance to these businesses, so that they may compete favourably on the global stage”, he said.
“As we embark on this year’s edition of the IKODIV trade fair, we are excited about all the opportunities it presents to businesses in our environment.
“We are also optimistic that the event will not only promote the growth of individual businesses, but also contribute significantly to the economic development of Ikorodu division”, Sir Shoderu added.
While thanking sponsors, supporters and exhibitors for their support and patronages, the ICCI President also called on the general public to be part of the economic event.
“We are confident that with our continued support, we will achieve greater success in the coming years”, he said.
“We would like to invite everyone to visit the trade fair and witness first – hand, the wealth of entrepreneurship spirit that exists in our division”, he added.
The Chairman, 2023 IKODIV Trade Fair, Prince Seye Adedipe, also said that his committee has put in place necessary measures to stage an exceptional trade fair.
“The most anticipated event of the year, as the chairman of the trade fair committee, I am pleased to announce that we have gone across and beyond to ensure that this year’s trade fair exceeds all expectations”, Prince Adedipe said.
“Our team has put in countless hours of hard work and dedication to give you an exceptional event that showcases the very best that our local businesses have to offer with over 100 exhibitors (set to participate in the trade fair this year) has to offer. The number of the exhibitors are still counting because as of this morning (Wednesday) multiple businesses continued to register for the trade fair and they have all come from various industries and sectors.
“We have had promises that it will be a hub of innovation, creativity and economic opportunities”, he added.
While revealing that the re – elected Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo – Olu, has accepted to open the important economic event, Prince Adedipe also said that exhibitors will also have the opportunities to network and engage in sessions that will be profitable for their businesses.
“This year, we are taking great care to provide a platform that offers unparalleled networking opportunities for both participants and sponsors. We have a range of engaging interactive events lined up throughout the fair including seminars, workshops and presentations which we are to inspire”, he said.
“I am also pleased to announce that this year’s trade fair has the full support of the Lagos state government and we have the honour of hosting our excellency, the Governor of Lagos State, who is now the Governor-elect, who will be opening the event on that day”, he revealed.
Prince Adedipe, who commended sponsors and others that have been making the event possible, also sought their continuous support.
“I want to thank you all, our sponsors, our partners, without you, this event would not be possible. we appreciate your support and look forward to long lasting and beneficial leadership”, he said.
“I invite everyone to join us at the Ikorodu trade fair, from the 26th of March, up to the second of April at LASUSTECH field. This event promises to be an unforgettable experience, fill with opportunities for growth, networking and prosperity. Thank you and hope to see you all there”.
Mr Sola Obadimu, Director – General, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), who was also at the briefing, said that the national body of Chambers of Commerce and Industry across the federation, is in support of the 2nd Ikorodu Division Trade Fair.
“We are very happy to support this initiative which is the Ikorodu Trade Fair, which is the second edition. We also learnt that the University is also supporting this particular edition”, he said.
