By Sodiq Adelakun

The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture has announced a partnership with the organisers of the Naija Brand Chick (NBC) Trade Fair, to co-host the 2024 edition of the event.

This was revealed by the Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts, and Culture to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Mr. Idris Aregbe, on Thursday during a news conference at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.

The sixth edition of the NBC trade fair is scheduled to take place from June 14 to June 16, providing a unique platform for vendors and entrepreneurs to showcase their products, connect with a wider audience, and contribute to the state’s thriving economic landscape.

“I stand before you today with great pride and excitement as we announce a landmark collaboration that marks a significant departure from traditional governance approaches.

“It is my honour to unveil our value-driven partnership with Naija Brand Chick (NBC).

“This alliance is not just about cooperation; it’s about amplification. It’s about taking the Lagos Tourism NBC Trade Fair to unprecedented heights, where it serves as a pivotal catalyst for our entrepreneurial community.

“Under the visionary leadership of Mr Governor, Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu, and with the steadfast support of the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, we aim for nothing short of excellence.

“Our ambitious goal of N5billion in sales transactions speaks volumes about our commitment to driving economic growth and prosperity,” Aregbe said.

He said that the fair would be a convergence of diverse sectors, spanning lifestyle and home, fashion and personal care, services and innovation, arts and craft, adventure and recreation, travel and hospitality, as well as cultural and recreational attractions.

According to Aregbe, the partnership is a testament to the government’s unwavering dedication to inclusivity and diversity.

“The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture stands firm in its mission to nurture our rich cultural heritage, promote artistic endeavours, and propel the tourism sector forward as a cornerstone of economic development.”

Founder of the NBC trade fair, Mrs Nelly Agboju, applauded the state government and the ministry for partnering with her brand.

“It is a great honour and I’m excited with the potential of this great partnership with Lagos State.

“We started the Naija Brand Chick trade fair in Lagos in 2018 and it is commendable that the government is identifying with our brand.

“This will enable every business owner and entrepreneur to take advantage of this trade fair, there’s money to be made, visibility for your business and so much networking.

“With this partnership, this edition is going to be the biggest and we are looking forward to its unprecedented success,” she said.

In the same vein, Actress Toyin Abraham-Ajeyemi praised both the state government and the organisers of the fair for their unwavering backing of small and medium-sized enterprises.

She encouraged entrepreneurs to seize the opportunity, she urged them to make the most of the trade fair.

The Lagos state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso has clarified that the state has not increased its minimum wage for workers to N70,000.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Omotoso noted that the Governor was erroneously quoted as saying that a new minimum wage of N70,000 had been announced.

Providing clarity, Omotoso said, “The Lagos State Government has not increased the minimum wage, contrary to the impression in some media reports, which emanated from the unveiling of Eko Cares – the umbrella for the various interventions to protect the poor against the effects of the prevailing economic hardship. The event was held at the Governor’s Office in Ikeja on Wednesday.”

“Mr. Governor never said so. He said since January, civil servants had been earning the N35,000 wage award directed by the Federal Government.  In other words, those earning N35,000 now earn N70,000. He did not announce a new minimum wage of N70,000.”

He quoted the Governor as saying, “I know that by the grace of God very very soon we’ll see a new minimum wage that will be approved for the Federal Government and for the state government. The civil servants and all public officers know that since January we have continued to pay the minimum wage allowance of N35,000 over and above what they were earning before.

“People that were earning a minimum of N35,000 to N40,000 before, they are now earning over N70,000. So, it’s important for people to know and for us to lay this thing very clearly. This government has doubled up and has not left its citizens on their own…”

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has appointed Mr. Tunde Onakoya, the National Master of Chess and the current Guinness World Record Holder for the longest Chess Marathon in history, the Sports Ambassador of the State.

Governor Abiodun, who made this known on Thursday when he received Mr. Onakoya in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, also  announced the commencement of the State Chess Competition to be held in all parts of the state in honour of Mr. Onakoya.

Abiodun, who was impressed with the achievement of the National Chess Master at the global stage, said this could not have been possible without determination and resilience and hard work.

“I can see why you continue to be an inspiration to many young people across the length and breadth of this country. You have gone further by establishing a foundation called the ‘Chess in Slums Africa’ because you are determined to tell your story and encourage other children and get them out of the slums and give them hope and a future.

“Today, we will be officially appointing you as our State Sports Ambassador. Coincidentally, Ogun State will be hosting the National Sports Festival in the next nine months or thereabouts and we are boasting  that we are set to host the best National Sports Festival that has never been held in the history of this country and coincidentally, chess is one of the games that will feature in that event.

“I have decided that because of you and in your honour, we will begin an Ogun State Chess Competition across the length and breadth of the state. Since you are now officially our Sports Ambassador and our Chess Ambassador, we will leave it to you to design that competition from the local government all the way to the state level.

“But we as your state, we will have a sponsor in the Tunde Onakoya Prize, for the winner of that competition,” the governor explained.

The Governor likened the travails of the Chess Master to that of millions of youths in Nigeria who are struggling to make something out of their lives, stating that his achievements in the face of difficulties is a testimony that life does not recognize where one comes from, place of birth or parent’s status in the society.

He commended the longest Chess Marathon holder in the world, for his resolve to succeed without engaging in dubious activities, noting that with the feat, he has joined the league of illustrious sons and daughters who have done Ogun State proud in their chosen endeavours.

Mr. Onakoya had earlier told the Governor of his immense gratitude for the support he received from Nigerians in his march to stardom, adding that he felt proud to be a Nigerian.

He also recalled his challenges while growing up, noting that he saw chess as a way out of poverty and ability to think critically beyond the surface.

“I am proud to be a Nigerian and from Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, I felt highly honoured and happy in the way Nigerians all over the world supported me immensely to achieve this feats and the honour accorded me by our royal fathers and His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, my state Governor,” Onakoya said.