The Oyo State Government has expressed its readiness to host the Odu’a Trade Fair, a joint initiative organized by five South-West states.
These include Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, and Ekiti. The event is set to take place in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
In addition to the trade fair, the government will introduce a farmers’ market to promote entrepreneurship and economic growth in the region.
The PUNCH reported that this announcement was made by the Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment, and Cooperatives, Adeniyi Adebisi, during a stakeholders’ meeting on the Odu’a International Trade Fair 2024, which was held at the Trade Fair Complex, EXPOYO, in Ibadan.
Adebisi highlighted that the upcoming farmers’ market would provide farmers with an accessible platform to sell their goods at affordable prices, thus boosting their economic standing.
He also emphasized the importance of supporting local agriculture to enhance agricultural development not only in Oyo State but also across neighboring states.
Adebisi further praised Governor Seyi Makinde for his efforts to revive the tradition of trade fairs in the state.
He cited the recent success of the Oyo State International Trade Fair, EXPOYO 2024, as an example of how such events can contribute to the state’s economy and industrial development.
Chairman of the Organising Committee for the Odu’a International Trade Fair 2024, Kola Akosile, provided more details about the event, noting that the theme will be “Harnessing Food Security Systems and Natural Resources for Sustainable Development and Wealth Creation.”
He revealed that the trade fair, scheduled to run from October 18 to 29, 2024, at the EXPOYO Trade Fair ground in Sango, Ibadan, will serve as a platform to showcase the agricultural strength of the South-West region, with a strong focus on food security and resource management as essential tools for wealth creation and sustainable development.
Akosile also added that the event will feature a variety of activities, including business exhibitions, networking opportunities, and a 10-day Amala festival where free servings of the traditional meal will be available.
He stated that the fair is expected to attract between 100 and 150 exhibitors, along with thousands of visitors from across the six South-Western states of Oyo, Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Osun.
In terms of products and services, the fair will showcase a wide range of offerings including agricultural products, agro-allied goods, manufactured items, electronics, and more.
Several regulatory and business service agencies, such as the Corporate Affairs Commission, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria will also participate to provide valuable services to exhibitors and visitors alike.