Biodun Esan, Ilorin
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State on Thursday said the administration would continue to support Macro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and provide a conducive environment for businesses to strive.
The Governor said this in Ilorin while declaring open the Christmas/New Year Trade Fair organised by the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Culture and Tourism, Hon Muka Ray Eyiwumi.
Represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties Hon John Bello, AbdulRazaq called on people to patronize made-in-Nigeria goods.
“There is a need for us as Nigerians to showcase what we are producing to the world, and as a government, we will continue to encourage the patronage and use of made-in-Nigeria products,” AbdulRazaq said.
The exhibition, holding at the premises of the Kwara State Council for Arts and Culture, Geri Alimi Ilorin would last for a month, with effect from December 5.
The Governor said the contribution of large, small, and medium-sized businesses to IGR and the economic stability of the country cannot be overemphasized, thereby requiring support to achieve the set objectives.
He said his administration places a high premium on assisting the growth and development of MSME, having recognized the pivotal roles it plays in economic development.
“We have witnessed the exhibition of products being made by our people, meaning that Nigerians are up to the task, and as a government, we are going to encourage them so that they can contribute to economic growth and development of the state and the country at large.
“The people of Kwara State should increasingly embrace and patronize the locally made products.
“If we all inculcate the habit of patronizing made-in-Nigeria products, people will be self-reliant, and our local economy will be boosted,” he said.
He appreciated the Convener of the exhibition, Hon. Mukay Ray for the initiative which he described as a welcome development, urging him to sustain the good tempo.
Convener of the programme and SSA to the Governor on Culture and Tourism, Ray-Eyiwumi said the event was to uniquely showcase made-in-Nigian products, especially during the Yuletide period.
While describing the turnout as impressive, Ray-Ejiwumi said no fewer than 150 vendors are currently displaying their goods, expressing hope to see more vendors.
In attendance were the Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly Hon Salihu Yakubu Danladi, Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Hon Abdulqowiy Olododo, Commissioner for Environment, Hon Shehu Ndanusa Usman, and Commissioner for Social Development, Hon Afolashade Kemi.
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