Arrangements to host the Fish/Aquaculture Fair in Abeokuta by Ogun State Government in collaboration with the state Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA) have been concluded.
The fair is scheduled to hold from November 15th – 19th, 2021 at the Moshood Abiola International Trade Fair Complex in Abeokuta will involve small scale businesses, medium scale businesses, multinational potential investors, aquaculture enthusiast and consumer of fish and aquaculture related products.
President of the OGUNCCIMA, Alhaji Wasiu Olaleye stated this at a press conference held at the chambers complex in Abeokuta, adding that the platform would be utilized to introduce new concepts and enhance economic strategies in the fish industry.
Olaleye explained that the yearly exhibition is designed for fish farming value chain industries to showcase their products and services in order to create awareness, examine the market trend and opportunities available.
He added that the theme of the fair is ‘Aquaculture Entrepreneurship for Youth Employment, Wealth Generation and Sustainable GDP Growth’, stressing that it was geared towards the improvement of the economic status.
He said: “OGUNCCIMA is joining Ogun State government in building our future together on economic growth of the state in the area of agriculture, in order to increase her productivity, encourage and develop SME’s through the influx of investors into the state, making her the investment place of choice.”
Furthermore, Olaleye stated that the fair will showcase various aquatic products and services, will promote new businesses, demonstrate new business models in the industry and promote made in Nigeria products, especially those made in Ogun State.
The Chairman, Board of Directors, OGUNCCIMA, Iyalode Alaba Lawson in her remarks pointed out that the trade fair was important, and on need to create awareness.
Iyalode Lawson, the first female President of Nigeria Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) commended the chambers for the initiative in collaborating with the state government on the fair.
The Iyalode of Yorubaland called on men and women in the fishery to come out as participants for the five days fair, to showcase their products and produce, adding that the fair is worth participating.
She noted that it is high time the country focus more of production, rather than rely on foreign consumables.
Similarly, the Special Adviser to Governor on Trade, Industry and Investment, Yemi Ogunmefun in his contributions stated that the fair is important for the state and economy, as well as opportunities for the Small Medium Enterprise (SMS).
The adviser declared that government was in full support of the fair, stressing that the trade fair will promote Small Medium Enterprise (SMS) in the state, and called on participants to turn up to be part of the programme.
The Director of Fishery in the state, Mrs Victoria Ojelade in her speech noted that the theme for the trade fair was product specific, adding that the state would showcase potentials in fishery and aquaculture, just as she encouraged participants to turn out in large number.
