Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The 34th Edition of the Enugu International Trade Fair organised by Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), ended on Wednesday in Enugu.
The fair, which commenced on March 24th, 2023 saw Dangote Group of Companies and the Nigerian Breweries PLC coming tops for their sponsorship and active participation throughout the fair.
Ikengaonline reports that the trade fair which was scheduled to end on April 3, was extended by two days due to Mondays’ sit-at- home in the South-East.
Investigation also reveals that many companies and business owners both within and outside Nigeria as well as Federal Government agencies attended the fair.
The theme for this year’s Enugu International Trade Fair was “Harnessing Nigerian Human Capital Resources for Global Economic Advancement.”
There was low turnout of participants at this year’s Enugu trade fair when compared to the previous trade fairs.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, ECCIMA President, Mr Jasper Nduagwuike, said the 2023 general elections and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) cashless policy affected the fair adversely.
Nduagwuike, represented by the First Deputy President, ECCIMA, Odega Jideonwu, added that against all odds and bizarre challenges, everything went successfully.
He said that election years were usually with challenges, adding that the 2023 own was compounded with the misadventure of an “ill-conceived, very poorly executed naira redesign and the cashless policy syndrome.”
“The result is there for all to see. Anyway, I believe that in spite of all these, deals have been sealed, relationships created, and proper networks established.
“So, dear friends, the fair ends today and I must give my unreserved gratitude to Nigeria brewery PLC, Dangote Industries Ltd, and Universal Insurance PLC who stood by us as sponsors.
“To all the exhibitors, I can’t thank you enough. We have indeed come, seen and conquered. Things can only get better,” he said.
The president also thanked all those who travelled the route with them, saying, “You believed in us, you shared our pain, you stood by us in the fair.”
Nduagwuike said he was aware that the fair did not meet the expectations due to some circumstances beyond the Chamber but promised a more resounding trade fair next year.
Thanking the participants also, the Vice President, Trade Fair, Mr Nonye Osakwe, said the chamber appreciated the effort of all the participants.
She assured them that the next year fair which will be the 35th edition would be much better.
The highlights of the event include dance and presentation of certificate of participation and sponsorship to companies.
