Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has officially flagged off the 2025 edition of the Oyo State International Trade Fair, tagged EXPOYO 2025.
The event which held on Monday, April 7, at the Permanent Trade Fair Complex, Samonda, Sango, Ibadan, drew participants from across Oyo and Nigeria.
In his opening remarks, Makinde, represented by his deputy, Barrister Bayo Lawal, described the event, which is expected to run several days, as an important step in realizing the administration’s promise of economic empowerment through consistent business engagement.
Makinde noted that this year’s theme tagged: “Achieving Food Security and Economic Stability in Oyo State through Massive Investment in Agriculture,” represents the administration’s strategic focus on agriculture as a catalyst for economic transformation.
Makinde emphasized the government’s vision to make Oyo the fastest-growing economy in Nigeria, not just by enhancing trade but by building a sustainable ecosystem where businesses of all sizes can flourish.
“The Trade Fair is an opportunity to showcase our natural endowments and cultural heritage while creating a business-friendly environment.
“EXPOYO 2025 serves as a critical platform for investors and business minds to explore opportunities and forge partnerships that drive trade and commerce in Oyo State.”
Makinde also spoke on policies implemented to ease doing business in the state, including the creation of a trade grievance redress mechanism to address trade disruptions, harassment, and unauthorized levies.
“The trade fair is not just for international participants, it offers a unique opportunity for our local entrepreneurs to gain visibility, access markets, and build networks. Our goal is to empower our youth, foster entrepreneurship, and support job creation.”
Makinde further linked EXPOYO 2025 with a wider regional trade ambitions, stressing Oyo State’s active role in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He disclosed that the state had hosted a strategic meeting in December 2024 to develop a sub-national AfCFTA implementation plan and had recently visited the AfCFTA Secretariat in Accra, Ghana, to advance its commitment.
He also stressed the importance of sustainability, saying: “We are committed to inclusive growth. Through our Climate Change and Sustainability Program, we are promoting green business models, renewable energy, and environmentally responsible practices to ensure our economic development is in harmony with environmental preservation.”
Governor Makinde commended the fair’s organizers, exhibitors, and stakeholders for their efforts in showcasing Oyo State’s potential. He urged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity to build connections and forge meaningful collaborations.
“Oyo State is open for business,” he concluded. “Let us work together to transform trade, empower communities, and shape a sustainable future for our state, our country, and the continent.”
Highlighting his administration’s achievements, the Governor reiterated his commitment to investments in infrastructure, transportation, energy, agriculture, and technology.
He also reaffirmed that the State Industrial Park and road and energy upgrades are part of a deliberate strategy to position Oyo as a destination for industrial and commercial growth.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Mr Adeniyi Adebisi, said the government is working diligently to create policies, infrastructure and a business climate that will position Oyo State as a destination of choice for investment both home and abroad.
He called on exhibitors, investors and partners to make use of the opportunity to connect with potential business partners, share ideas, explore collaborations to promote their products and services to a wider audience.
In their separate goodwill messages, the National President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Otunba Dele Oye, represented by the Director-General, Engr Sola Obadimu and the President, Odu’a Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (Odu’aCCIMA), Alhaji Wasiu Olaleye, also represented by the first Vice-President, Hon. Olumide Araoyinbo, commended Governor Makinde for his passion and contributions towards the economic development of the state and South-West in general.
They also lauded his steadfastness and courage in making the South-West region more habitable and vibrant in all ramifications, calling on governors in the South-West region to organise an economic forum to bring back the lost glory of the region in agriculture.
Also, the President, Oyo State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OYCCIMA), Dr Daniel Gbadero, appreciated Governor Makinde for organising the trade fair and for his support to the agricultural sector.
The governor and his entourage, thereafter, inspected the Trade Fair exhibition ground.
Present at the event were the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Olanike Adeyemo; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni; Chairman, Oyo State Elders’ Council, Dr Saka Balogun; Executive Adviser to the Governor on Budget, Alhaji Gafar Bello; Chairman of all Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State, Hon. Sikiru Sanda; President of Ibadan Chamber of Commerce, Chief Mrs Omotomilola Osunde, captains of industry and leaders of businesses, among other dignitaries.