The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has flagged-off the 13th Gateway International Trade Fair with a firm pledge that his government will not relent in the infrastructural facelift of the state to attract more investors.

Declaring the fair open at the M.K.O. International Trade Fair Complex, in Abeokuta with the theme, "Achieving Economic Prosperity Through Business Connection, Trade and Investment," Abiodun affirmed that the govrrnment will continue to fortify Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) towards efficient operations in partnership with the Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA).

The Governor who earlier met Captains of industries and Chief Executive Officers of companies, revealed that Gateway Agro-Cargo Airport which would begin operation soon has been has been put in place as an infrastructural masterpiece to revolutionize economic activities.

Noting that economy is the start and end of everything,he said the economic revolution of Ogun has recorded tremedous progress as a result of efforts put into the ISEYA mantra.

"We are working tirelessly in elevating our state which has made us a national benchmark and a beacon of industrialization considering the 6,000 companies that adorn the length and breadth of Ogun State across the three senatorial districts.

“This state-of-the-art airport which is embedded in an SAPZ , Afrexim Quality Assurance Centre. This is indeed a new dawn for Ogun State. These infrastructural masterpieces are not merely assets, they are regional catalysts poised to amplify trade not only within our domestic area but expansively into international region,”

“With these development we are strategically positioned to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) ushering in a new era in which Ogun State is not just the gateway within Nigeria but a regional hub.

"We are creating a business ecosystem  which reflects our sincerity of purpose  and courageous political will," Abiodun said.

The Governor called on stakeholders to utilise the platform provided by the Fair to showcase the best of goods made in the State and an opportunity for building robust business connections assuring that the Fair would continually on a yearly basis exceed the previous year’s achievements.

Earlier in his welcome address, Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela said, the Fair had become a hub for networking and partnership helping to open up avenue for trade and investment.

The Commissioner who urged stakeholders to leverage the platform provided through the Trade Fair stated that, there have been a number of initiatives like two-bedroom bungalow raffle grand prize, free daily transportation and an entertainment village which have introduced to improve this year’s exhibition.

In his address, President, OGUNCCIMA, Engr. Mike Akingbade, noted that the renewed collaborative efforts of the State government had positively impacted this year’s edition of the Trade Fair adding that the event is aimed at building strong network, stimulate economic growth and enhance overall prosperity.

Contributing, a representative of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ-SEDIN), Mr. Ropo Omoware commended the State government for organising the best edition in the Trade Fair’s history noting that the event could be a platform for businesses to network and maximise the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and help in making sure Nigeria does not become a dumping ground for goods from other African countries.

Also in his remark, the Rwandan Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Christophe Bazivamo disclosed that, the Rwandan government would participate at the next edition of the Trade Fair as well collaborate with Ogun State in the area of trade.

In her contribution, one of the exhibitors at the Fair, Mrs. Boluwatife Olatunde, commended the organisers of this year's edition, adding that the event has provided the platform to expose her business and connect her to relevant stakeholders.