In a commitment to bolster economic growth and enhance the business environment in Kwara State, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq officially opened the 10th Kwara Trade Fair in Ilorin on Monday.
During the ceremony, the Governor underscored the state government’s dedication to upgrading existing infrastructure and constructing new ones, aiming to facilitate the seamless movement of people, goods, and services.
Governor AbdulRazaq expressed his gratitude to the Kwara State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (KWACCIMA), the organized private sector, and other stakeholders for their unwavering efforts and contributions that led to the successful hosting of the trade fair.
He lauded the collaborative spirit that has contributed to making the annual event a remarkable platform for businesses in the region.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor highlighted the administration’s commitment to streamlining business processes to improve the ease of doing business.
He stressed the importance of maintaining Kwara as a top investment destination in Nigeria, citing ongoing efforts to support businesses, particularly small-scale enterprises that play a vital role in the economic landscape.
“I congratulate Kwaccima, the organised private sector and all the stakeholders for yet another amazing trade fair. Regardless of the general economic situation worldwide, the quality of what I’m seeing here today is a testament to the conducive environment that has been created by good practice in Kwara State for businesses.”
“What is at play here are ingenuity, innovation and collaboration. Congratulations, Kwaccima. I assure you of our commitment to continue to work with all stakeholders especially the security agencies to keep Kwara safe and healthy for businesses to thrive.”
“I also assure you of our commitment to continually upgrade our infrastructure and build new ones while ensuring that appropriate protocols are in place to streamline our processes and make Kwara become number one in Nigeria as investment destination.”
“Our focus is to always improve our ease of doing business and business ratings. The nano, micro, small and medium enterprises are the lifeline and life wire of any private economy.”
“This explains our many interventions in areas of businesses, especially the Kwara ? , owo ishowo,? cash transfer and other initiatives.”
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, this administration has invested so much in different projects and programs to upskill young people and create the platform for sustain job creation.”
“The whole world is going through a new phase in economic recovery, owing to the climatic change and different developments in the past.”
“At this time we just work together to build a more resilient economy and a sustainable future. Our doors are always open and we look forward to working with stakeholders.”
“We therefore invite investors around the world to work with us to build a future that will be prosperous and yield good dividends for our people.”
“I’m on the issue of industrial park. Our work is already on site now and we hope that within two years the project will be done.”
Addressing guests at the opening ceremony of the Trade Fair which is organised annually by the Kwara State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KWACCIMA), Abdulrazaq said the administration has continued to support businesses to grow, especially small scale businesses that are the arteries of any economy.
Chief Mrs. Ronke Adeyemi, the President of KWACCIMA, also addressed the audience, emphasizing the pivotal role of trade fairs as platforms for showcasing products, attracting customers, and fostering economic growth.
In her opening ceremony speech, she acknowledged the challenges facing the global economy and urged resilience and optimism among businesses.
The theme of this year’s trade fair, “A Renewed Hope in Transforming Commerce,” was highlighted by Chief Mrs. Ronke.
She explained that the theme symbolizes the necessity to renew hope and believe in the imminent transformation of commerce despite economic uncertainties.
“As we all know, a trade fair is an event at which companies show and sell their products, and try to increase their businesses and net worth.”
“Trade fairs are designed to showcase their ? products and services in the locality. It’s a view to attractive customers and investors.”
“The Kwara trade fair is not an exception. Our state is not only blessed with a peace that passes all understanding, but also blessed with a lot of human and natural resources.”
“We are strategically located in practically the middle of Nigeria and therefore enjoying weathers that are conducive for the growth of diverse agricultural products.”
“That our country is going through an excruciating economic period is merely stating the obvious, and I must hasten to add that this is the experience at this time in most parts of the world including more developed countries.”
“Shall we then fold our hands and give up on our future and home? God forbid. This has informed our choice of the theme for this year “A Renewed Hope in Transforming Commerce.”
“We need to renew our hope and hold on to our dreams. We must believe in transformation that is just around the corner.”
“This year, despite all odds, we have come again to showcase the products and potentials of Kwara. We have products from our intellects, from our factories and from our farms.”
“Our people in commerce are here with their ? and their local government areas have come with a list of available mineral resources in their localities. We implore our guests to go around and see our products and patronise our people.”
“Let me seize this opportunity to appreciate our governor in Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his love for the development of the private sector in this state and his generousity in the hosting of this trade fair.”
“I also wish to thank the outgoing chairman and all the local government chairmen of all the areas of Kwara State for their collaboration to make this trade fair successful.”
“Finally, it is our collective responsibility to make Kwara work. Our economic development is largely dependent on the development of the private sector, and we need to present a united front.”
“Development cannot be achieved in a haphazard manner. Short-term and emergency economic interest should never be allowed to disrupt well-thought out long-term plans.”
“Kwara State trade fair must be supported and elevated to a height that it becomes a major economic attraction to all and sundry.”
“And the proliferation of trade fairs or exhibitions being hosted by the same time as this major fair will continue to be an unnecessary distraction that must be quickly stamped out so that we can have a good focus.”
“Once again, ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you to the 10th Kwara trade fair.”
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