Gov Abiodun makes case for investment in agriculture as Ogun Trade Fair kicks off

Bankole Taiwo, Abeokuta

Ogun state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has reiterated the need to move away from an oil dependent Economy to an agricultural sufficient one for the all round development of the Nigerian Economy.

Governor Abiodun made this known while declaring open the 12th Gateway International Trade fair, themed Energy and Agriculture, a panacea to Economic and sustainable Multi-Sectoral Growth: Ogun pathway to Economic Prosperity. She emphasised that it had now become pivotal to national growth.

Represented by his Deputy, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Abiodun said for instance in the state, the Ministry of Agriculture was constantly working with farmers towards increasing their yield in a bid to increase productivity while partnering the Federal government and African Development Bank in developing Agro processing zones across the state.

He added that the creation of an Agro Cargo Airport the state, the first of its kind in Nigeria, is aimed at changing the entire Business landscape across Ogun State and create at least 20,000 direct jobs in it’s first year of Operation.

While stressing the importance of Trade fairs to include an avenue for expansion of Trade, promotions of economic diversification which he said cannot be emphasized adding that it proves as a verification platform for business owners to display their goods and services to the world.

He called on more public private partnership, stressing that Ogun state was extremely committed to partnering with the private sector in ensuring industrial development in the state.

In her remarks, the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs Kikelomo Longe, appreciated the State government, organising committee members and corporate bodies who have contributed to the hosting of this year’s edition, saying the importance of agriculture and raw materials to industries cannot be underestimated which informed the governor’s decision to invest meaningfully to improve the sectors.

The Chairman, OGUNCCIMA Board of Directors and past Presidents NACCIMA, Iyalode Alaba Lawson, while giving her remarks, thanked the present administration in Ogun, led by Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his unflinching support and investments in the sector, saying the sector was one to reckon with if any government want to succeed.

Also Speaking , the ODUACCIMA President, Chief Wole Akinwande, and his NACCIMA counterpart, Mr Ude Udeagbala, represented by Otunba Dele Oye, said OGUNCCIMA was one of the most organised Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria because it has almost the highest industries in the country, assuring that NACCIMA will continue to partner OGUNCIMMA in its efforts to develop the state chambers of Industries.

Earlier in his welcome address, the president, Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Engr. Mike Akingbade, commended the state government for the support to host the 12th International trade fair as well as exhibitors for being part of this year’s trade fair and for contributing towards improving the economy prosperity of the state.