EXPOYO: Trade fair sparks economic vibrancy

The ongoing trade fair in Oyo State, is making waves, as it marks the return of the grandeur of a famous fair known for its business networking hotspot and thriving economic activities. The trade fair, with the theme: “Showcasing the Economic Potentials of Oyo State through Agriculture, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises”, at the permanent trade fair complex, Sango, Ibadan, began on February 26 and would end on March 6, 2024.

Yetunde Moradeyo of Federal College of Animal Health Production Technology, speaks on the Free Rabies outreach as part of their way of making impact beyond just exhibiting.

The State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde while declaring the Oyo State International Trade fair open had announced that the reason for reviving the trade fair was to demonstrate that “Oyo State is ready for business” adding that the event, which had been in hiatus for over 15 years, would not be an annual event going forward. The State Commissioner for Trade, Investment, Industry and Co-operatives, Hon. Ademola Ojo, during a press conference ahead of the fair, had said; “the last time we had this was 2009, and there have been pressures on previous administrations to hold this kind of trade fair because it happens every other year, even in neighbouring states, and some other state”. The revival of this long-standing event is prospected to breathe a new life into the agriculture sector and foster economic growth in the state.

Students from a nearby school actively participating in EXPOYO 2024, with our reporter.

While commendations flowed from some exhibitors, acknowledging the platform’s importance in showcasing skills and products, others voiced concerns. One exhibitor criticised the alleged lackluster infrastructure, setting and media coverage; suggesting private management of such for future events, while others highlighted issues with publicity, expressing disappointment in the fair’s visibility and organisational set-up. Noteworthy is the participation of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), which brought forth a treasure organic compost manure for farmers, herbal breakthrough products, wooden products for human use, as well as groundbreaking research products from forestry.

FRIN Scientists sharing insights about their innovative herbal & wooden products at the heart of EXPOYO 2024.

Additionally, the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) made a significant impact, showcasing a trove of seeds, seedlings, and innovative products addressing post-harvest losses such as tomato wine, ginger cubes and pineapple juice, among others.

A small-scale farmer from Egbeda, Latifat Imran displaying her “snake tomatoes” among other farm produce at EXPOYO 2024.

Meanwhile, one of the exhibitors claimed that the outlook of the tents and venue were not attractive enough for local investors, not to talk of international one. “The floors are bare, there are no fans under these canopy tents. This is not 1970, this is 2024 and we are still organising this kind of fair. Maybe they should just hand it over to a private company to manage it, next time. This is not encouraging at all. It’s even worse that many people in Ibadan don’t even know what is going on here; not to talk of those in other parts of the state or outside. The publicity was not enough before it was launched. I was forced to go back home the other day after spending two hours under this unbearable environment because of the heat from the scorching sun. This is not an enabling environment and our expectations are not even met yet in terms of patronage. Some people are here exhibiting under same tent with us, selling puff puff, bread; how is that marketing us for exportation?”

Dudu Giga Arts Gallery CEO, Wale Lawal adding a touch of creativity to EXPOYO 2024 with unique and captivating displays.

Commending the trade activities at the exhibition ground so far, a representative from NIHORT, Dr. Yemisi Adewale revealed that the institute received a surge of requests during the fair, particularly for additional seeds, enhanced capacity building programmes, and a growing interest in forging international partnerships and collaborations. Acknowledging the current challenges, she expressed optimism that the next edition will witness improvements and offer a more conducive environment for such arrangements, to create a more vibrant platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and fostering valuable collaborations. Meanwhile, the state governor at the flag off ceremony had earlier expressed hope for EXPOYO to be a ground for the export market in the state to be developed and thus attract foreign investors such that the exhibition would become truly international.

Participants engaging free eye care services, enhancing both vision and community well being.

Similarly, the President of the Oyo State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OYCCIMA), Dr. Daniel Gbadero also revealed to newsmen that exhibitors from Oyo State and across Nigeria, as well as foreign investors, are expected to participate in the exhibition. Also speaking as a participant, another exhibitor, the Chief Executive Director of Centre for Enterprise Development and Action Research, Dr. Olusade Taiwo said she had expectations that EXPOYO would expose her non-governmental organisation that was set up to address economic and social problems in Africa to entrepreneurs that need to be referred to support organisations, but so far, disappointment had been the case and I think the publicity needs to be upscaled. People knew EXPOYO in those days as a platform you can use to get in touch with all sorts of businesses, make good business and meet new people, but now, it’s a bit modest. She, therefore, expressed hope that things will get better in the days to come.

Live demonstration of anti-rabies vaccination by a vet. doctor, Dr. Odunsi Oluseyi of FCAHPT, Ibadan.

Small-scale farmers, such a backyard farmer, who identified herself as Mrs. Latifat Imran, as well as other food processors, Mr. Obasanmi of Hadassah foods, serve as a focal point of the event, as they engaged in networking opportunities and formed connections with larger enterprises and persons available. At the trade fair ground were various organisations that exhibited their goods and services and they include agricultural institutions like the Forest Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Centre for Enterprise Development and Action Research (CEDAR), Nigeria Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Federal College of Animal Health Production Technology (FCAHPT), Ibadan, Odua Cooperative Conglomerate limited and Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC – Arts and Craft).

CEO of the Centre for Enterprise Development (CEDAR), Dr. Olusade Taiwo shares her expectations for EXPOYO 2024 and hopes for its return to being a premier business networking platform.

Others were Cornerstone Insurance Company; and brands like Olam Agri Ltd, Agricultural Exporting Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative, Bovas Company, University of Ibadan Ventures Ltd, and Dudugiga Arts Gallery. Beyond the core exhibits, the fair offered diverse attractions such as free eye care services from the Eleta Eye Institute and Red Cross Society activities. Also, FCAHPT provided a community service angle with free rabies vaccination for dogs, adding a layer of social responsibility to the bustling trade environment. EXPOYO 2024 stands not only as a testament to the Oyo State’s economic vibrancy, but also as a beacon of hope for the future, promising growth, collaboration, and renewed international interest in the state’s agricultural and business potentials.