Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration has once again emphasized its dedication to supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) while fostering a conducive business environment for growth.
The commitment was reiterated by Idris Aregbe, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, during the third day of the Lagos Tourism NBC Trade Fair held in Lagos.
The event, which ran from Friday, April 11 to Sunday, April 13, was organized in partnership between the Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, and the Naija Brand Chicks (NBC). Its goal was to promote and empower small-scale enterprises, particularly focusing on women and youth in business.
Aregbe highlighted that the fair, which attracted over 250 vendors, had played a significant role in fostering stronger connections between businesses and their customers. It also contributed to drawing investors to Lagos and creating job opportunities for residents. “Lagos provides the perfect landscape for business growth, and this fair demonstrates that with the right support, dreams can be realized,” he said.
He also noted that the event was not solely about commerce but also utilized entertainment to boost visibility, further enhancing the event’s impact. “Lagos continues to be a key player in driving GDP growth for the benefit of all residents,” he added, praising Governor Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to the development of small businesses.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, emphasized the investment potential of the trade fair. He explained that the event combined commerce and entertainment, helping to increase the visibility of participating brands. “We are showcasing small business owners to the world, which will boost their sales and strengthen the economy of Lagos and Nigeria as a whole,” Bajulaiye said.
Bajulaiye also pointed out that several vendors from outside Lagos were thrilled with their experience, with some reporting sales that typically take a month to achieve, all in just one day. “This is a success story that will continue to grow,” he added.
Nelly Agbogu, the CEO of Naija Brand Chicks (NBC), expressed her excitement about this year’s event and the high turnout, noting that over 30,000 shoppers attended on the first day alone. She praised the support of Governor Sanwo-Olu and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, saying, “No state in Nigeria has supported MSMEs like Lagos has under the leadership of Governor Sanwo-Olu.”
