Ogun Woos Investors at Lagos Trade Fair
The Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has charged genuine entrepreneurs to tap into the economic prospects of the Gateway state which has been listed among the five richest states in the country.
The governor stated this on the occasion of the Ogun Day at the just-concluded 31st edition of the Lagos International Trade Fair.
Represented by the Deputy Governor of the state, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga, Amosun reiterated the status of the state being the industrial hub of the nation with over 450 industries, stressing that such was only achievable as a result of the conducive business environment the administration has put in place.
He said, “The growth and sustainability of the economy is hinged on industrialisation, which will in turn expedite the diversification process and cause local production to expand, thus, boost foreign exchange.
Having realised the potential of industrialisation, the state is not leaving any stone unturned to entice businesses across the globe.”
Highlighting some of the growth opportunities in the state, the state’s Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, explained that the ability of the state to attract huge investment in recent times was as a result of its investment in infrastructure amidst other strategies, some of which included massive reconstruction of roads and construction of new roads to aid transportation of goods within the state, the state also offered land rebate as part of its measures to enhance the Ease of Doing Business in the state and also provided for allied services as well as other projects geared towards boosting investors’ confidence in the state as a place to do business and reside.
“The present administration in Ogun State opened the business landscape by establishing a one-stop shop in order to streamline the process of setting up business. “The massive infrastructural transformation of the state was geared towards catering for the good people of the state and creating a sustainable conducive environment for the business community. This government believed that the more conducive and secure environment, the better for industrial growth and industry replication to take place.
“We believe that any discerning investor will recognise that these are the essential ingredients for successful and sustainable investment,” he added.
Ashiru added that the ability of the state to own 75 % of the Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), in the country between the period of 2011 to 2016 and to be rated as number one among the 36 states of the federation in terms of percentage improvement of the Internally Generated Revenues between 2014 and 2 I was seconded to the United Nations (UN) to represent Nigeria 015, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) are all indications that the state was fertile for business, thus urged all to tap into the revolution and blessings in the state.
A group of female business owners under the aegis of Network of Enterprising Women (NEWN) has said that it had rounded off preparations for its 2017 seminar and trade fair.
The group, numbering 200, comprises business owners within and in diaspora and exists to motivate women in business while also promoting their endeavours in the interest of Nigeria’s economy.
Representative of the group, Mrs. Augusta Nwokafor, explained that this year’s programme, themed ‘Partnering and Collaborating for Business Excellence’ will come up on November 23 in Lagos.
She said: “Our network is a platform that encourages and supports women entrepreneurship. We work with members to grow their businesses. We understand and appreciate the advantages of collaboration and we are happy to share our resources and experience with those who seek our support.
“The fair is focused on adding value that will ensure sustainability of businesses and see members contributing to our national economic growth. Most of our members have never been to business schools but run successful enterprises. There are a lot of opportunities available to female business owners both locally and internationally and we work continuously so that individuals can collectively leverage on these opportunities for mutual benefits.”
This year’s activity offers members an opportunity to learn from renowned entrepreneurs and corporate organisations and showcase their offerings to over 2000 visitors that will grace the occasion.
Highlights of the fair include dental check-up, discounted business profile photographs and make-up, free meal for sponsors and vendors and many more.