By Aloysius Umalo, Makurdi
The Minister of Trade and Investment in Nigeria, Jumoke Oduwole has urged the public to prioritize locally made products in order to empower Nigeria and create more job opportunities.
The Minister stated this during the flag off of a two weeks first ever Benue Local Investors and Entrepreneurs Exhibition held in Makurdi, the Capital of Benue State in North Central Nigeria.
Jumoke Oduwole revealed that Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) contribute about forty eight percent to the nation's GDP and over ninety percent employment rate, making them essential for innovation and inclusivity.
She assured that the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment would continue to play a crucial role in supporting entrepreneurs and creating a favourable environment for their businesses to flourish.
"The government is focused on promoting digital trade, investment, and job creation, with a goal to boost export-led businesses on a global scale.
"This exhibition is therefore a platform for showcasing high-quality products and encouraging consumers to support local businesses for economic growth and sustainability''.
She urged consumers to explore the innovative products on display and contribute to the development of the national economy by choosing locally made goods, pointing out that the Federal Government is committed to supporting entrepreneurs and facilitating their businesses to thrive in the global market.
Flagging off the exhibition, Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia highlighted industrialization as a top priority for his administration, with the goal of transforming Benue State into an economic powerhouse.
He assured that despite facing neglected industries, the government is determined to rejuvenate existing structures and establish new ones to drive sustainable industrial growth.
Governor Alia said the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC) has spearheaded the establishment of mini-industries producing essential goods, focusing on utilizing local resources, generating employment, and promoting self-sufficiency.
"In collaboration with the World Bank's Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) initiative, over 5000 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have received assistance to bounce back from economic challenges and contribute to the state's economy".
The Governor noted that the partnership with the Federal Government had facilitated the establishment of the Benue Fashion Hub, which has empowered youths in tailoring and other entrepreneurial pursuits.
He expressed delight that the exhibition had showcased the creativity and innovation of Benue residents, underscoring the potential for local industries to flourish by utilizing locally sourced raw materials.
He re-echoed the commitment of his administration in supporting local innovation and industrialization through funding, establishment of training centers, creating a conducive business environment, and forming partnerships with private investors and international organizations.
Governor Alia appealed to the Federal Government, corporate entities, and individuals to lend support to local enterprises, stressing the advantages of investing in economic growth and Community development.
Speaking on the role of Investors, innovators and Entrepreneurs for wealth creation and industrialization, the Director General, Bureau of Entrepreneurship and Wealth Creation, Benitha Shuluwa stressed the transformative impact of adopting new technologies and advanced production methods in the agricultural and industrial sectors to revolutionize processes and boost productivity.
"By championing local initiatives like tractors, agro-processing, and innovative solutions, the goal is to modernize agricultural practices and effectively address post-harvest losses".
Ms. Shuluwa highlighted the importance of information and communication technology (ICT) and software development in driving efficiency, fostering global connectivity, and expanding business opportunities.
She lauded the creative industry in Benue State for its remarkable potential, with talents in music, film, fashion, and visual arts poised for global success, and reaffirmed government's unwavering commitment to supporting inventors, innovators, and entrepreneurs through financial aid, skills development, and infrastructural enhancements as key drivers for bringing ideas to market and safeguarding intellectual property rights.
Ms. Shuluwa referenced notable initiatives already underway in Benue State, including the establishment of an Indigenous Tractor Assembling Plant, an ICT firm specializing in digital skills acquisition, and a university dedicated to agricultural and technological innovation.
"With a concerted focus on harnessing the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of its populace, Benue State is positioned to emerge as a prominent industrial hub in Nigeria, leveraging its abundant opportunities to foster sustainable wealth creation for the benefit of all".
Earlier, the Commissioner of Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Nick Eworo
emphasized that the exhibition transcends being a mere showcase but symbolizes Benue's readiness to emerge as a leading center for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Eworo noted that the innovative advancements showcased at the exhibition only scratched the surface of the vast potential across the state, highlighting the abundance of untapped talent in Benue State.
He commended the consistent advocacy for policies that position Benue to set trends rather than follow them, attributing the approach to the success of the exhibition.
The Commissioner announced a significant partnership with the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Transfer (NOTAP) and the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) over the past two months.
He said the collaboration aims to establish the Alia Technology and Innovations Park, dedicated to skills development, research, development, and technology commercialization, emphasising the potential for the partnership to transform ideas into practical solutions for the state.
"Under the exceptional leadership of Governor Hyacinth lormem Alia, Benue State is poised to become the epicenter of innovation and technological progress in North Central Nigeria.
"The establishment of offices by NOTAP and NASRDA in the state signifies profound opportunities for research collaborations, investment, job creation, and the cultivation of creative ideas into tangible solutions".
Eworo commended the perseverance, creativity, and dedication of the exhibitors at the event, recognizing them as the driving force behind the innovation revolution, and encouraged them to leverage the platform to connect with mentors, investors, and policymakers to scale their innovations and create new avenues for growth.
Voice of Nigeria Correspondent, Aloysius Umalo reports that
the theme of this year's event, "Innovating for a Sustainable Future," underscores the state's commitment to leveraging science, technology, and entrepreneurship to drive lasting change, just as cash prizes were awarded to the best thirty exhibitors, ranging from ₦1M to ₦5M.
