The Ogun State government says it is resolute in its drive towards sustaining the enabling environment in the State for business to thrive, assuring of its commitment to the optimal development of small-scale businesses and the prosperity of residents.
The Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela, made this known in Abeokuta while addressing the media during a tour of some agencies and markets under the Ministry’s supervision as well as the Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA) complex in company of the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola and other top management staff of the Ministry.
The agencies and markets visited included Food Crops Marketing Board (FCMB), Gateway Trading Company, Oba Lipede Ultra-Modern Market, Kuto and the June 12 Market Panseke in Abeokuta.
Sofela, who expressed the interest of the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration in boosting the growth of all categories of businesses as well as attracting private capital into the State, assured that small businesses would not be neglected as the government continues to work towards making the business climate conducive for businesses to flourish.
Speaking on the state of the Oba Lipede Ultra-Modern Market which was recently renovated by the State Government after a rainstorm destroyed part of it, the Commissioner noted that the “government wants the prosperity of the people and will continue to do the needful to further ease the plight of affected traders.”
Sofela advised the traders to come together as a group to insure their goods, pointing out that buying an insurance policy as a group could be more cost-effective than approaching the insurance companies as individual traders.
He appealed to the traders to join hands with the government by paying their rent as and when due, while ensuring that markets are kept in hygienic condition befitting trading activities, adding that traders should avoid dumping of wastes in water channels.
Addressing workers at the Food Crops Marketing Board and Gateway Trading Company, the Commissioner said the Ministry under his watch would provide the necessary support to the agencies under the ministry for them to further build on their performance and make them self-sustaining while also ensuring that the two agencies would not be in direct competition with industries in the State.
Speaking during his brief visit to the OGUNCCIMA complex where he was received by the body’s President, Engr. Mike Akingbade and members of his team at the Trade Fair Complex, the Commissioner stated that the government would continue to collaborate with the Chambers to organize improved Trade Fairs, improve capacity building and promote more investment-focused trade missions.
