Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) Chairperson Ms. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has revealed that the Lagos Island Business Fair (LIBIZFAIR) will enhance business opportunities in the state and also attract more investment.
This was stated by the former federal deputy at the opening ceremony of the fair organized by Lagos Island Connect, in conjunction with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives of the State of Lagos.
At the show held at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Onikan, Lagos, Ms. Dabiri-Erewa, represented by the agency’s Head of the Lagos Annex, Mr. Oladipo Odebowale, praised the state government for the initiative.
Noting that the platform provides a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses, he said, “This will boost business and investment opportunities in the state.”
The Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Ms. Lola Akande, in her comments, described the empowerment of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as essential for the empowerment of young people.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary at the ministry, Ms. Adetutu Ososanya, noted that building the capacity of youth-oriented businesses, with the aim of providing growth opportunities, will lead to increased prosperity among the island’s youth. of Lagos.
“I believe this platform can take advantage of socio-economic networks and information technology and communication to provide more interactive opportunities for the abundant youth in and around Lagos Island from diverse cultural, religious, social and educational backgrounds to grow their businesses and services, as well as the economy of the State”, he said.
The commissioner explained that the fair is in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s policy of creating a conducive environment for businesses to prosper, expanding market access and fostering networking and collaboration among entrepreneurs.
Also speaking at the event, the Governor’s Special Advisor on Sustainable Development Goals and Investment (SDG&I), Ms. Solape Hammond, emphasized that the program was geared towards supporting businesses to prosper at the local government level.
“The study found that youth on Lagos Island are versatile, technologically savvy, motivated, and willing to participate positively, particularly in personal and community development.
“Although most of them still face different challenges, there is a huge zeal to participate profitably instead of being idle, which could contribute to community nuisance.
“The youth of Lagos Island have a brighter vision for the future, and all stakeholders must come together to support them in fulfilling it,” said the assistant governor in her presentation on the Lagos Island Youth Needs Assessment Survey.
Addressing the participants, Lagos Island Connect co-founder Ms. Yemisi Ransome-Kuti noted that LIBIZFAIR 2022 was geared towards taking businesses in Lagos Island from a local level to a global level by investing in young people and prevent their mass migration. to foreign lands.