The Lagos State Government's commitment to supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) was on full display during the recently concluded Lagos Tourism and Naija Brand Chick Trade Fair.
Held over three days in Ikeja, the event saw an impressive turnout and generated over N300 million in sales on the first day alone.
Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Arts, Tourism, and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, expressed his satisfaction with the fair's success, stating that it had a significant impact on the lives of vendors and their businesses.
He emphasized the government's dedication to continuously supporting SMEs and promoting economic growth in the state.
"Lagos will continue to lead when it comes to art, entertainment, commerce, and industry," Aregbe declared. "The trade fair has changed the direction of many vendors' businesses, sales, and passion.
We have been able to use entertainment to push our brand and educate the people on the streets of Lagos."
Founder of Naija Brand Chick Trade Fair, Mrs. Nelly Agboju, commended the Lagos State Government for its partnership and support. "The whole aim of this fair is to help business owners do better in their businesses, grow, and meet their customers," she explained. "On the first day alone, over N300 million was realized. This has been one of the most wonderful partnerships I have had in a very recent time."
Vendors from across Nigeria and even the UK participated in the event, with many praising the organization and the opportunities it provided.
Bahijja Wasai, a vendor from Kano State, described the trade fair as "the best fair in terms of organization and the most intense in terms of sales."
The Lagos State Government's support for SMEs was evident throughout the event, with Aregbe reiterating the administration's commitment to growing businesses and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs. "Any government or brand that is not supporting SMEs is not ready for business," he asserted. "Lagos State Government has demonstrated and shown other states that SMEs are something that we must show support for."
As the sixth edition of the trade fair concluded, participants and organizers alike expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to showcase their products and services, network with customers, and contribute to the economic development of Lagos State.
