As part of efforts to promote entrepreneurship among Lagosians, especially the youths, the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives have concluded plans to hold the maiden edition of the Lagos Island Business Fair.
At a news briefing in Alausa Ikeja, the Commissioner in charge of the Ministry, Dr Lola Akande announced that the fair which is being held in conjunction with the Lagos Island Business Connect will hold between the twenty fourth to twenty seventh of next month.
Describing the fair as a direct response to the call made by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda of transforming and positioning the State for the 21st Century Economy, Dr Akande explained that it also aligns with the Federal Government’s Policy on diversification of the economy from the focus on oil to non-oil export.
“LI-BIZ-FAIR is designed to encourage the promotion of business and social enterprise among Entrepreneurs – particularly the Youths, create opportunities to identify comparative advantages present in Lagos Island and strengthen bottom up growth for continuous business interaction and socio-economic security. It will also provide training opportunities for MSMEs in Business Education, Networking and Leadership qualities during the masterclass sessions.
“We also consider the Fair quite important because while it focuses on all MSMEs in Lagos Island in particular and Lagos State/Nigeria in general, it is giving special attention to youth entrepreneurs. At various times, the Nigerian MSMEs, especially the youths have been advised not to let lack of finance be an impediment to their ability to build successful businesses, create wealth and contribute their quota to the society. Even much more important in the quest for self-realization are such other factors as skill, training, continuous learning, being aware of their surroundings and what obtains globally in the business world, among others” she said.
In her remarks, the co-founder of Lagos Island Business Connect, Ms Yemisi Ransome Kuti said already, the organisation had organised an economic summit and conducted a need assessment survey of Lagos Island a organised an economic summit
Ms Ransome-Kuti announced that an online business directory of organisations on the Island is also being compiled.
