Entrepreneurship

We are committed to MSME growth in Lagos – Sanwo-Olu

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has restated the commitment of the present administration to the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), just as he urged entrepreneurs to leverage the knowledge and network gained at the recently concluded fair to build better business connections.

The Governor, who spoke through the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Folasade Jaji, at the closing ceremony of the 6th Lagos State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Exclusive Fair, themed: “Effects of COVID-19: Charting the Way forward for MSMEs in Lagos”, tasked owners of MSMEs to tap into the strategies suggested to promote their businesses and make them more accessible to customers from around the country and across the globe.

His words: “In line with the T.H.E.M.E.S. Agenda of making Lagos State a 21st-century economy, MSMEs will continue to receive support from the Lagos State Government in various ways. The trade fair has provided immediate market, created awareness and provided a platform to interact with government and customers in the last six days”.

“Let me assure you again that the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives will continue to ensure MSMEs visibility and exposure, not just on the local scene but also on the international stage”, Sanwo-Olu asserted.

Also speaking, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, said the present administration would continue to ensure ease of access to market opportunities for the exposure and viability of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) operating in the State.

The Governor’s wife, who was represented at the event by Mrs. Saliu Olajumoke, also enjoined the participants to build on the gains of the fair and leverage on the knowledge acquired to network and connect with new partners and clients to improve their various businesses.

The Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Dr. (Mrs.) Lola Akande, remarked that the fair would help position MSMEs for unprecedented growth and continued yield of tangible dividends, long after the event.

She said, “It is hoped that enough impact has been made and the lessons learned would lead to improved business awareness, potential partnerships and the beginning of viable customer relationships.”

“Your undeniable tenacity through adversity, as evidenced by your enduring operations despite the COVID-19 pandemic, with all its negative effects on commerce, is no mean feat”, she said.

At the end of the Fair, the winners of the raffle draw organised by the State government to improve participants’ businesses were Mrs. Idong Benson who won N500,000; Mrs. Olanike Badmus won N750,000, while the first prize winner of N1,000,000 was Mrs. Zulikat Ibrahim.

 

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