The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the promotion and growth of indigenous businesses and cultural enterprises across the State.

The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, stated this while receiving the Chief Executive Officer of Ayinke Alagbo Herbals, Dr Chief (Mrs) Taofikat Ayinke Bello, popularly known as Ayinke Alagbo, in his office in Ibadan.

Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi commended Ayinke Alagbo for her consistency, entrepreneurship, and contribution to the promotion of indigenous knowledge and small-scale enterprise development in Oyo State.

He reiterated the commitment of Governor Seyi Makinde’s led administration to creating an enabling environment for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), including those operating within the traditional medicine, creative, and cultural sectors.

The Commissioner emphasized that indigenous businesses remain critical to economic diversification, job creation, and cultural preservation, assuring that the Ministry would continue to support initiatives that align with the State’s economic development agenda.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Okesade, noted that the Ministry’s support for the Ayinke Alagbo Day Carnival was in line with its mandate to encourage local industries and promote sustainable investment opportunities within the State.

He added that the Ministry would continue to partner with credible indigenous enterprises that contribute to economic growth and cultural promotion.

Earlier,the Chief Executive Officer of Ayinke Alagbo Herbals, Dr.Chief (Mrs) Taofikat Ayinke Bello, popularly known as Ayinke Alagbo, said that the visit was to express appreciation to the Ministry for its presence and participation at the Ayinke Alagbo Day Carnival, held on 30th December 2025 in Ibadan, a major cultural and commercial event that formed part of the State’s vibrant end-of-year activities.

Ayinke Alagbo also expressed gratitude to the Oyo State Government for recognising and supporting home-grown businesses, particularly those rooted in traditional knowledge, culture, and wellness.

She noted that the Ministry’s presence at the carnival added credibility to the event and encouraged local entrepreneurs and practitioners.

The Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives, and Industry, has showcased a diverse collection of indigenous goods and products at the 2025 Nigeria International Trade Fair (NITF), held at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, Badagry.

The locally made products on display include Shea butter, Aso-Oke fabrics from Oke-Ogun, ready-to-wear outfits, agro-allied products, machinery, handmade bags, shoes, Adire and Batik corporate shirts, hoodies, and various homegrown innovations. Local food items such as Garri Ijebu, powdered cassava flour, potato flour, as well as hair care and home care essentials, also feature prominently. The popular traditional Koko Irin (iron pots) attracted significant interest among attendees.

Leading the Oyo State delegation, the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, described the state’s participation as a bold step toward promoting the visibility of locally made products, empowering small and medium enterprises and deepening Oyo State’s contribution to national trade development.

He expressed appreciation to the Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, for making the state’s participation possible and for continuously supporting initiatives that promote commerce, industry, and economic expansion in the state.

“Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to expanding trade opportunities for our people is evident in the consistent support we receive to showcase Oyo State’s creative industry, agro-value chain, and manufacturing capacity at platforms like this. “Our participation reflects the strength, innovation, and resilience of Oyo State entrepreneurs. We are here to tell Nigeria and the world that Oyo State is open for business.”

Also, speaking ,the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Okesade, revealed that a 400-square-meter space of land has been allocated to the state for exhibition, which is still under construction, saying that the ministry’s management team has been working with the fair organizers to ensure that the pavilion is completed quickly and meets the expected standard.
According to him, “Our exhibitors have arrived with an impressive range of high-quality products all produced in Oyo State. We are determined to give them the best possible representation and ensure that the Oyo State pavilion stands out once construction is completed.”

The Oyo State pavilion is expected to become one of the most vibrant attractions at the fair, reflecting the state’s cultural creativity, entrepreneurial strength, and growing industrial capacity. The trade fair continues until 30th November 2025, offering opportunities for networking, business expansion, and investment partnerships.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,
Hon. Commissioner for Information,
Oyo State.

IBADAN  –  THE Oyo State Government has empowered hundreds of youths, artisans, and traders through a three-day free vocational and technical training programme, as part of the 2025 Nigerian Artisans and Technicians Conference (OYO NATCO 2025) held at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

The programme, which focused on practical skill development and empowerment, covered key areas including gate automation, electric fence installation, smart lock systems, automated doors, CCTV installation, and solar panel setup.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, who represented Governor Seyi Makinde, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to empowering artisans and small business owners as a strategy for achieving sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

He described artisans and technicians as “the unsung heroes transforming ideas into tangible products, driving innovation at the grassroots, and keeping our economy functioning every day.”

According to him, the programme aligns with Governor Makinde’s vision of promoting enterprise development, skill enhancement, and industrial expansion through public-private partnerships. He lauded Global Sight Services Limited (GSSL), the state’s implementing partner, for collaborating with the Ministry to organize the second edition of OYO NATCO.

Also speaking, the Assistant Director of Industrial Development and representative of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Engr. Mohammed Imam, commended the Oyo State Government and GSSL for their foresight, describing the conference theme ; “Empowering the Workforce for a Sustainable Economy” as timely and inspiring.

He reiterated the Federal Government’s support for the informal sector through training, certification, and access to finance.

The Managing Director of Global Sight Services Ltd, Mr. Dayo Bello, emphasized the importance of adapting to modern technology in the artisan sector, noting that NATCO serves as a bridge between product manufacturers, service providers, and end-users to drive innovation and competitiveness.

The three-day event featured exhibitions and interactive sessions with key regulatory and development agencies such as CAC, SON, NAFDAC, ITF, NEPC, SMEDAN, NIPC, and FCCPC, all aimed at guiding artisans on certification, standardization, and business growth.

The conference climaxed with the presentation of empowerment tools and household items to participants, including tool sets, sewing machines, generators, fans, blenders, hair dryers, and other work equipment.

Hon. Adebisi noted that empowerment is not just about training. it is about giving people the means to put that training to work.

He said “When we equip our youths and artisans with the right tools, we are helping them to build confidence, independence, and prosperity.”

Speakimg also, the Babaloja General of Oyo State, Alhaji Y.K. Abass, who joined in the symbolic presentation, commended Governor Makinde’s administration for consistently supporting artisans and traders across the state.

Some beneficiaries described the gesture as life-changing. A young technician, Abideen Salami, said his new toolbox would ease his daily struggles, while a trader, Mrs. Bose Adetayo and a hairdresser, Miss Kemi Oseni expressed gratitude for receiving items that would boost their small businesses.

Organisers and participants hailed the programme as a success, describing the large turnout and positive impact as proof of citizens’ confidence in the Makinde administration’s commitment to economic empowerment and inclusive growth.