The Ogun State Government has kick-started the three days Christmas Fiesta targeted at promoting Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) and sales of goods at subsidized rates.

The event which commenced on Wednesday, December 18 and ending on Friday, December 20, 2024, was the maiden edition for the Yuletide season and is holding at the Open Lawn Opposite the House of Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. It is organised by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment

Speaking during his visit to the exhibition booths, the Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, in company of members of the Body of Permanent Secretaries, described the Prince Dapo Abiodun led administration as a highly focused and responsible government, saying that its various programmes as encapsulated in the ISEYA mantra were actually touching lives.

Mr Onasanya, who called on civil servants and members of the public to patronize the stands, noted that apart from the aim of promoting small scale businesses, items could be purchased at discounted rates.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela, said Governor Abiodun was not only interested in big multinationals, but that MSMEs should also be empowered to enable them to have access to market and showcase their products.

Mr Sofela who commended the efforts of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade, Mrs. Oluyemis Somorin-Dawodu for her efforts, said that the Christmas Fiesta which was first of its kind afforded small scale business owners to have booths to display their wares for free in line with the government desire to enhance their economic activities.

According to him, the intention of Ogun State Government in the coming year would further be in the area of capacity building, business and financial advisory and financial empowerment for MSME’s

“The focus of this Christmas Fiesta is the promotion of MSMEs. The Governor is not only interested in big multinationals and companies but he believes the small scale businesses should be empowered to enable them to have access to market, finance and opportunity to showcase their products and services “he said.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola, appreciated the Prince Abiodun led government for its various forward-looking initiatives which had turned around the economic fortunes of the State just as he appreciated the Head of Service for his presence at the exhibition stands.

The Head of Service was welcomed by top management staff of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and Ministry of Information and Strategy, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade, Mrs. Somorin-Dawodu and Special Adviser to the Governor on Mineral Resources, Prof. Kayode Oyedele.