Lagos State Government has reiterated its resolve to drive growth and development through economic diversification.
Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives Commissioner Mrs. Lola Akande made this known at the weekend at a news conference to announce the maiden edition of the Lagos Island Business Fair 2022 (LIBIZFAIR).
She said LIBIZFAIR, with the theme: ‘Edu-Social for Entrepreneurs on Lagos Island & Lagos State towards Social Economic Empowerment’, formed part of the initiatives to overcome such economic challenges.
Akande said the initiative bore relevance to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda of transforming and positioning the state to become a 21st century economy.
She added: “The fair is designed to encourage the promotion of business and social enterprise among entrepreneurs, particularly youths, create opportunities to identify comparative advantages on Lagos Island and strengthen bottom up growth for continuous business interaction and socio-economic security.
“It will also provide training opportunities for MSMEs in business education, networking and leadership qualities during masterclass sessions.
“The state is collaborating with the organisers because Biz Fair aligns with the Federal Government’s policy on diversification of the economy from oil to non-oil export. We also consider the fair important because while it focuses on MSMEs on Lagos Island in particular and Lagos State/Nigeria in general, it is giving special attention to youth entrepreneurs.
“Nigerian MSMEs, especially the youth, have been advised not to let lack of finance be an impediment to their ability to build successful businesses, create wealth and contribute their quota to the society. Even more important in the quest for self-realisation are such other factors as skills training, continuous learning, being aware of their surroundings and what obtains globally in the business world, among others.”
The fair will hold from November 24 to 27 at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.