• Gov flags off Oyo international trade fair after 15 years
• Seeks repair of economy to free people from poverty
Amid unfavourable economic conditions in the country, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, yesterday, urged Nigerians, especially residents of the state, not to give up but to look at opportunities anytime there is a challenge, saying that opportunities always come up with challenges.
Makinde made the call during the official flag-off of Oyo State International Trade Fair in Ibadan, tagged: ‘EXPOYO 2024’ with the theme: “Showcasing Economic Potential of Oyo State Through Agriculture, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises,” held at the permanent Trade Fair Complex, Sango, Ibadan.
The flag-off signified the revival of the yearly trade fair 15 years after it was last held. It is part of strategic steps to stimulate commerce and the local economy amid the prevailing economic challenges in the country.
The fair will be held between February 26 and March 6, 2024.
The governor, who said that the current economic challenges also portended great opportunities to exploit for the benefit of the state, stressed that his administration would continue to put strategic measures in place to unlock the state’s potential.
Makinde equally cautioned against what he described as ‘playing the blame game’ amid the current economic crisis, saying that such situations always come with its benefits that could be converted to economic gains.
He commended the Ministry of Trade, Investment, Industry and Cooperative and the State Chamber of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture (OYCCIMA) for the joint initiative, urging a deliberate action by investors and all stakeholders to exploit the prevailing economic situation for the benefit of the state.
Besides, Makinde has declared that despite the challenges and hardship facing the country, all hands must be on deck to repair the economy.
He said that one of the ways to achieve such repair is for the country to shift its focus to export orientation instead of import substitution.
The governor noted that developing the export market rather than focusing on producing for local consumption would help in improving the economy and the currency of the country.
