The Oyo State Government has called for stronger trade and investment partnerships to expand business opportunities, promote local enterprises and drive economic growth as the 2026 Oyo State International Trade Fair, EXPOYO 2026, opened on Tuesday, October 27, at the Permanent Trade Fair Complex, Sango, Ibadan.
The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, stated this while delivering Governor Seyi Makinde’s address at the opening ceremony.
Speaking on the theme, “Trade Without Borders: Connecting Oyo Entrepreneurs to Africa’s Business Opportunities,” Adelabu said the fair should be more than a platform for buying and selling, stressing its potential to promote innovation, attract investment, strengthen business relationships and develop the local economy.
He emphasised the importance of branding, publicity and innovation in improving competitiveness, noting that talents in the state’s universities, polytechnics and other higher institutions should be harnessed to develop entrepreneurs, create jobs and boost productivity.
The commissioner also highlighted the proposed dry port in Akinyele, the establishment of a Commercial and Export Development Department in the Ministry, and opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He called for stronger collaboration between government and the organised private sector, urging businesses to take advantage of existing policies to create wealth, and declared the fair open on behalf of the governor.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olajide Mamud Okesade, commended the government’s commitment to infrastructure and reforms, describing the fair as a platform for connecting MSMEs, manufacturers, entrepreneurs and investors with wider markets across Africa.
He urged participants to maximise the opportunities to establish business relationships and showcase products.
The President of Oyo Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, ESV Niran Adewoyin, described the theme as timely, expressing optimism that the fair would attract investment, strengthen supply chains, improve product standards, expand exports and create jobs.
Similarly, the National President of NACCIMA, Engr. Dr. Jani Ibrahim, represented by Chief Kola Akosile, urged entrepreneurs to improve product quality, embrace technology, meet certification requirements and position to compete in African markets.
The Babaloja-General of Oyo State, Alhaji Abass Yekini Oladapo, described the fair as strategic for promoting indigenous businesses and expanding opportunities for traders, urging them to embrace innovation and explore emerging markets.
Goodwill messages were delivered by Chief Wole Akinwande, former President of OYCCIMA; Chief Ogunnike, President of Ibadan Chamber of Commerce; and Mr. Salawu Wahab, Chairman of the Organising Committee.
A highlight of the ceremony was a tour of exhibition booths led by Prof. Adelabu, who interacted with exhibitors and inspected products and innovations on display.
The fair, holding from October 26 to November 1, brings together entrepreneurs, manufacturers and investors to showcase products and explore trade and investment opportunities across Africa.
