The Business Club Ikeja (BCI) Kicks Off Maiden Trade Expo
By Grace Alegba
The Business Club Ikeja (BCI) has kicked off its maiden three-day Trade Expo, aimed at stimulating growth and addressing the specific needs of businesses in Ikeja and its environs.
The exhibition, held at the BCI Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja, brought together 60 businesses to drive innovation and collaboratively find solutions to common business challenges for growth.
Role of Businesses in Economic Development
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Adetola Okanlawon, Revenue Chairman, Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), highlighted the role of businesses in economic development. He emphasized that businesses, whether small, medium, or large, are the backbone of any thriving economy.
Government Efforts to Support Business Growth
Okanlawon listed government efforts to include improving revenue systems, streamlining processes, and ensuring that policies foster rather than hinder enterprise development. He called for collaboration among exhibitors, urging them to share insights and leverage innovation to solve real-world problems.
Call for Ecosystem Support
He also called on investors and policymakers to create an ecosystem that supports and nurtures businesses for growth and expansion. "As we officially open this expo, let us do so with a renewed commitment to growth, collaboration, and innovation. May this event serve as a catalyst for greater achievements in the business community," he said.
BCI President’s Remarks
Dr. Adesola Falaiye, BCI President, said that the association showcases businesses of its members and people in Ikeja and its environs. "The theme of this expo is buy, sell, connect. The aim is to bring businesses together, not just to come and showcase but to interact, collaborate, and see what they can do together," she said.
Expectations
She added that the association invited Onigbongbo LCDA and the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce and Industry as partners to understand the challenges and prospects of businesses. The expectation is that the government would be able to contribute to business growth while benefiting from the symbiotic relationship by drawing revenue.
Chairman of the Business Club Ikeja (BCI) Business Expo Organising Committee
Prof. Anthony Kila, Chairman of the Business Club Ikeja (BCI) Business Expo Organising Committee, said the exhibition would be an annual event. He added that the maiden edition is organized to coincide with the annual general meeting of the association.
Event Aims
The event aims to unite entrepreneurs, business leaders, and industry experts to explore new opportunities for partnerships, business growth, and innovation.
Conclusion
The Business Club Ikeja’s maiden Trade Expo is a significant step towards fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth in the business community. The event brings together businesses, government, and other stakeholders to drive economic development and create an enabling environment for entrepreneurship to thrive.
FAQs
- What is the purpose of the Business Club Ikeja’s Trade Expo?
The purpose is to stimulate growth and address the specific needs of businesses in Ikeja and its environs. - What is the theme of the expo?
The theme is "Buy, Sell, Connect". - Who are the partners of the Business Club Ikeja (BCI)?
The Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) and the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce and Industry are partners of the Business Club Ikeja (BCI). - Will the expo be an annual event?
Yes, the Business Club Ikeja (BCI) Business Expo will be an annual event.
Source: nannews.ng
