EXPOYO 2026: Oyo Govt Seeks Stronger Trade Partnerships to Drive Economic Growth

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, officially opened on Tuesday, October 27, at the Permanent International Trade Fair Complex, Sango, Ibadan.

The Honourable Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Professor Salihu  Adelabu, stated this while delivering the address of the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, at the opening ceremony.

Speaking on the theme of the fair, “Trade Without Borders: Connecting Oyo Entrepreneurs to Africa’s Business Opportunities,” Professor Adelabu said the event should serve as more than a platform for buying and selling, stressing its potential to promote innovation, attract investment, strengthen business relationships and develop the State’s local economy.

He emphasised the importance of branding, publicity and innovation in improving the competitiveness of local businesses, noting that the talents and expertise available 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 the Government and the organised private sector, urging businesses to take advantage of existing policies and opportunities to create wealth and prosperity. He subsequently declared the fair open on behalf of Governor Makinde.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Mamud Okesade, commended the State Government’s commitment to infrastructure development and institutional reforms. He described the trade fair as an important platform for connecting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, manufacturers, entrepreneurs and investors with wider markets across Africa.

He urged participants to maximise the opportunities provided by the fair to establish business relationships, showcase their products and explore avenues for commercial growth.

The President of the Oyo Chambers 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 employment opportunities.

He encouraged participants to establish lasting business relationships that would extend beyond the exhibition.

Similarly, the National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Engineer Doctor Jani Ibrahim, represented by Chief Kola Akosile, Chairman of the Association’s Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Trade Group and former President of ODUACCIMA, urged entrepreneurs to improve product quality, embrace technology, meet certification requirements and position their businesses to compete effectively in African markets.

The Babaloja-General of Oyo State, Alhaji Abass Yekini Oladapo, described the fair as a strategic platform for promoting indigenous businesses, strengthening market activities and expanding opportunities for traders across the State.

He urged traders to embrace innovation, improve product quality and explore emerging local and international markets to grow their businesses.

He also reaffirmed the commitment of market leaders to supporting Government policies that promote a peaceful trading environment, wealth creation and sustainable economic development.

Goodwill messages were delivered by Chief Wole Akinwande, former President of the Oyo Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture; Chief Ogunnike, President of the Ibadan Chamber of Commerce; and Mr. Salawu Wahab, Chairman of the Organising Committee of EXPOYO 2026.

Their remarks which highlighted the importance of sustained stakeholder engagement, business cooperation and active participation in activities that promote trade and investment.

A major highlight of the ceremony was a tour of the exhibition booths and pavilions led by Professor Adelabu and accompanied by other dignitaries. The Commissioner interacted with exhibitors and inspected products, services and innovations on display, underscoring the importance of showcasing local businesses, increasing their visibility and creating opportunities for networking and commercial partnerships.

The 2026 Oyo State International Trade Fair, holding from October 26 to November 1, brings together entrepreneurs, manufacturers, investors and other stakeholders to showcase their products and services, strengthen business connections and explore trade and investment opportunities across Africa.

E-Signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade

Hon. Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State