Kwara State Government on Friday said it will continue to promote a business-friendly environment to support the business community and grow the local economy.
State Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Hon. Damilola Yusuf-Adelodun, gave the assurance in Ilorin at the third edition of the Pre Ramadan Trade Affair, organised by the Muslimah Entrepreneurs Business Forum.
She described the Fair as timely and commended the organisers for being their brothers’ keepers and how they contribute to the economy of the state.
Yusuf-Adelodun noted with delight that over 90 per cent of the exhibited goods are locally produced — a development she said reflects the impacts of the administration’s policies on entrepreneurship growth and local contents.
“The state government under Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has always supported businesses within the state to thrive, apart from putting in place necessary infrastructure that support trade fairs such as this,” she said while declaring the Fair open.
“This trade fair is coming at a very good time, especially now that the Ramadan period is fast approaching. So, this will allow many households to buy their goods in one place. This is a highly targeted place and we value trade fairs such as this that are sensitive to the welfare needs of Kwarans.”
Also speaking, Commissioner for Finance, Dr Hauwa Nuru, eulogised the Forum for leveraging the state’s business-friendly environment for easy transactions, noting this will further strengthen the local economy.
Convener of the Trade Fair, Salihu Fatima Adejumo (Baytu -Tejmeel), said over 50 vendors are participating in the three-day fair with the focus on selling quality products at subsidised prices.
“The aim of organising this massive trade fair is to make it easier for people to buy commodities of their choice at cheaper prices. We understand that when Ramadan is approaching, most business owners hike prices,” she said.
“We started this three years ago, with the resolve to make things easy for people, by reducing the prices of food stuff and other materials. We gather here today with many vendors with the intention of giving premium quality for a lesser price.”
The trade fair is expected to close on Sunday.