Lagos powers grassroots commerce with new Eko Fair highlighting MSMEs

Lagos powers grassroots commerce with new Eko Fair highlighting MSMEs


By Aderonke Ojediran
 The Lagos State Government, Tuesday, announced the inaugural edition of the Lagos Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Exclusive and Eko Round City Trade Fair 1.0., to boost grassroots commerce.

The Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Bada- Ambrose, disclosed this at a news conference in Lagos.

She said that the event had been redesigned from the former Eko MSMEs Exclusive Trade Fair into a more inclusive commercial festival.

She described it as a major step toward strengthening grassroots commerce, boosting inter-Local Government Area (LGA) collaboration and expanding opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises.

Bada-Ambrose said that the initiative will bring together five LGAs in Lagos like: Surulere, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Eti-Osa and Apapa aadding that it will create a unified platform for enterprise, culture and collaboration.

“This Fair is not just an exhibition; it is a celebration of enterprise, resilience, creativity and community.

“The idea of the ‘Round City’ reflects our determination to link the diverse energies of Lagos into one inclusive marketplace,”she said.

According to her, MSMEs remain the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, contributing over 96 per cent of businesses nationwide.

“We are creating a platform where traders, artisans and growing businesses can showcase their products, network, learn and scale,” she added

Besides, she said that the fair will showcase mentorship sessions and linkages with investors as well as support agencies..

“As SMEs grow, they create jobs for youths, women, artisans and families,” she said

Bada-Ambrose noted that the fair is the beginning of a long-term cycle of structured support, and not just a one-off intervention.

“Our vision is to build not only a megacity, but a people’s city where every trader, artisan, youth and family has a place.

“The future of Lagos lies in our collective hands,” the commissioner said.

Also speaking, an All Progressives Congress, Chieftain, Mr Fouad Oki, said that growing the commerce of the grassroots is crucial for both subnational and national development.

“This initiative couldn’t have come at a better time; it is laudable and I pray that residents benefits and make sales at the fair,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the fair with the theme “Ajeparapo Fun Ipinle Eko” is scheduled to kick off from Dec. 8 untill Dec. 14, at the National Stadium, Surulere. (NAN)

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