Lagos State's commerce commissioner used the Multi-sector Trade Fair to push a message about economic unity. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem said different industries must collaborate to succeed in today's world.
She spoke at the MSME Fiesta, which ran alongside the main trade fair event. Agriculture, manufacturing, tech, finance, logistics, and creative sectors all need to work together, she explained.
Cross-sector partnerships unlock fresh opportunities. They also create jobs, boost productivity, and strengthen supply chains, according to her keynote address.
Ambrose-Medebem didn't attend in person. Instead, the ministry's Director of Trade and Industries, Shobayo Dayo, delivered her remarks at the De Blue Roof Event Centre in Ikeja.
Entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers gathered to showcase what Lagos offers economically. The venue hosted exhibitions, speeches, and networking opportunities throughout the day.
"This trade fair is more than an exhibition of products and services," the commissioner noted in her speech. "It's a marketplace of ideas, opportunities, innovation, partnerships, and enterprise."
Lagos showed its economic resilience and creative capacity at the event. Leaders stressed that collaboration across industries remains essential for growth.
State government backing for MSMEs has taken concrete form recently. The administration launched a N10 billion access-to-finance programme through cooperatives, working with the Bank of Industry.
Economic growth and infrastructure development rank high on the current administration's agenda. Technological innovation completes their stated priorities, Ambrose-Medebem emphasized.
Bunmi Kole-Dawodu spoke as the MSME fiesta's lead speaker. He serves as Deputy Director for strategic partnership at SMEDAN.
Building permanence into small businesses requires several steps. Kole-Dawodu identified resilience architecture, digitisation, and blended finance options as critical factors.
These measures help MSMEs weather present economic challenges. They also position companies to scale operations more effectively.
Other speakers brought their own expertise to the platform. Lanre Johnson manages erpSOFTapp as its MD and co-founder.
Akonte Ekine, CEO of Absolute PR, also addressed attendees. Dr.
Femi Egbesola, who leads the Association of Business Owners of Nigeria, shared perspectives as well.
Shimater Tewase rounded out the speaker lineup. She works as Marketing Manager at Artech 2000.
