Oyo Govt Expresses Readiness To Support Igbalode Alhaja Trade Fair 1.0

The Oyo State Government has expressed its readiness to support the Igbalode Alhaja Trade Fair 1.0, scheduled to hold on December 19 and 20, 2026, at Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, as part of efforts to promote entrepreneurship, strengthen local businesses and create wider market opportunities for traders and exhibitors.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Mr Olajide Mamud OKESADE, gave the assurance while receiving the convener of the trade fair, Mrs Olukunle Oluronke, popularly known as Igbalode Alhaja, alongside members of her organising team, during a meeting with the Ministry.

Mr. Okesade commended the organisers for bringing entrepreneurs and business owners together through the initiative, describing it as a commendable effort towards economic growth and productive engagement. He noted that the Oyo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, remains committed to growing the state’s economy through initiatives that encourage legitimate businesses, create opportunities and promote wealth creation.

The Permanent Secretary stressed the importance of adequate preparations for the event, particularly in the areas of security, fire safety and emergency response. He advised the organisers to make arrangements for security personnel, the Fire Service and an ambulance, alongside other relevant stakeholders, to ensure the safety of exhibitors and visitors throughout the two-day programme. He also encouraged them to clarify the event’s organisational and operational arrangements and identify specific areas where government support would be required.

Speaking on the importance of connecting local businesses with international markets, Okesade highlighted the relevance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), noting that Oyo State is positioning itself to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the continental trade framework. He disclosed that the Ministry was advancing activities under the State Organising Export Committee, including ongoing capacity-building programmes at affordable costs, under the guidance of the Governor. He also announced that the state’s AfCFTA trade portal was expected to commence operations the following week, while encouraging entrepreneurs to engage with the Ministry and take advantage of available opportunities. He emphasised that successful businesses thrive by identifying and providing solutions to people’s needs, noting that solutions create value and attract patronage.

Also present at the meeting was the Iyaloja-General of Oyo State, Princess Folashade Azeezat Abeo Nurudeen, who encouraged the convener and her organising team, expressing support for the initiative. She also joined the convener and members of the organising team for photographs at the meeting

Earlier, the Director of Trade in the Ministry, Mrs Modupe Adesina, welcomed the delegation and described the initiative as a commendable one, expressing delight at seeing women taking the lead in business development and entrepreneurship. She assured the organisers that the Ministry would explore opportunities to participate in the fair by sensitising exhibitors and visitors on the Oyo State Government’s programmes and interventions for youths, exporters and entrepreneurs, including opportunities available through export promotion and cooperatives.

The Deputy Director of Trade, Mr Olayinka Raimi, commended the initiative and sought further clarification on the categories of goods and products expected at the exhibition, the number and status of exhibitors, the intended target audience and the daily operating hours of the fair. He also requested that the organisers clearly identify their specific expectations from the Ministry to enable appropriate consideration and determine the areas of possible government support.

Similarly, the Assistant Director of Trade, Mr Olawale Olanrewaju, informed the delegation that the Ministry was preparing for the forthcoming Oyo State Trade Fair scheduled for November 23–29, 2026. He invited the Igbalode Alhaja Trade Fair organisers and interested exhibitors to participate in the state trade fair, describing it as an opportunity to gain further exposure, interact with other businesses and familiarise themselves with the Ministry’s trade promotion activities.

In her remarks, the convener, Mrs Olukunle Oluronke, popularly known as Igbalode Alhaja, said the trade fair was designed to provide a platform for business owners to showcase their products, attract customers and expand their commercial opportunities. She disclosed that about 50 vendors were already on ground to exhibit at the event venue and appealed to the Ministry to support the initiative through publicity, attendance and possible collaboration. She also invited the Ministry to participate in the December event.

The Project Manager, Mr Toheeb Nihinlola, clarified that the trade fair was not exclusively designed for women but was open to both male and female entrepreneurs, traders and members of the public. He appealed for the Ministry’s support in areas that would enhance the success and visibility of the exhibition, stressing the organisers’ desire to make it an inclusive platform for business promotion and commercial engagement.

Also speaking, the Communication Director of the trade fair, Mr Abdulazeez Abdulmalik, provided further insight into the event’s objectives, publicity arrangements and scheduled activities. He explained that the two-day exhibition would provide participating businesses with opportunities to showcase their products, reach prospective customers, increase brand visibility and encourage patronage. He reiterated the importance of public awareness and broad participation in achieving the objectives of the fair.

The meeting underscored the Ministry’s readiness to engage with credible private-sector initiatives that promote trade, entrepreneurship and economic development, while encouraging the organisers to put the necessary arrangements in place and sustain engagement with relevant government agencies