Oyo Govt Set to Host EXPOYO 2026, Assesses Business Reforms Under SABER

The Oyo State Government has announced that the 2026 edition of the Oyo State International Trade Fair, EXPOYO 2026, will hold from October 26 to November 1, 2026, at the Permanent International Trade Fair Complex, opposite Ventura, Sango–UI Road, Ibadan, under the theme, “Trade Without Borders: Connecting Oyo Entrepreneurs to Africa’s Business Opportunities.”

The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Professor Salihu Adelabu, disclosed on Friday in his office, saying that the formal opening ceremony of the event is scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, 2026.

He expressed profound appreciation to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for approving the hosting of the trade fair.

The Commissioner explained that the event is being organised in collaboration with the Oyo State Council of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OYCCIMA), describing the initiative as a demonstration of the state government’s commitment to economic growth, investment promotion, trade development and the advancement of indigenous enterprises.

Professor Adelabu noted that EXPOYO 2026 would provide a valuable platform for entrepreneurs, manufacturers, investors, artisans, traders and other business stakeholders to showcase their products, establish business connections and explore opportunities within and beyond Nigeria.

He stated that the event aligns with the state government’s commitment to strengthening trade, promoting local industries, attracting investment and expanding market access for businesses across Oyo State.

The Commissioner commended Governor Makinde for his continued support for initiatives that stimulate economic activities and create opportunities for businesses to thrive.

He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working with OYCCIMA and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that the trade fair achieves its objectives and further positions Oyo State as a destination for trade, investment and enterprise development.

In his remarks,the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Olajide Mamud Okesade described EXPOYO 2026 as an important platform for connecting businesses, strengthening commercial relationships and showcasing the economic potential of Oyo State.

The Chairman of the EXPOYO 2026 Organising Committee and a member of OYCCIMA, Mr Salawu Wahab, appreciated Governor Makinde for approving the hosting of the trade fair and acknowledged the state government’s support for the initiative.

He noted that the organising committee was working towards delivering an event that would offer exhibitors and visitors opportunities for product promotion, business networking and access to wider markets.

The Vice Chairman of the EXPOYO 2026 Organising Committee and a member of OYCCIMA, Chief Abiola Alli, called for stronger collaboration among relevant government institutions to ensure broad participation and effective coordination.

The trade fair will also feature a raffle draw, with various prizes to be won by participants who purchase raffle tickets.

Similarly,the Oyo State Government has continued to demonstrate its commitment to improving the business environment as Independent Verification Agent (IVA) field verification agents assessed the implementation of the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Programme at the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry.

The exercise which formed part of the SABER Year 3 (2025) Annual Performance Assessment, focusing on the Ministry’s grievance redress mechanism for business-related complaints.

The verification was designed to assess the Ministry’s records, processes and arrangements for receiving and addressing grievances from traders and other business operators.

Receiving the verification agents in his office ,the Commissioner, reaffirmed the importance of accountability, effective service delivery and continuous improvement in implementing government reforms.

He commended the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for his commitment to policies and initiatives aimed at creating an enabling environment for trade, investment and economic growth.

The IVA field verification agents, Mr. Victor Odesola and Mr. Emmanuel Kolade, explained that the exercise was intended to verify the Ministry’s performance under the SABER Programme.

They expressed satisfaction with the efforts made so far and encouraged the Ministry to sustain and improve its performance while intensifying public sensitisation on the trade grievance redress mechanism to ensure that traders and business operators across the state are aware of the available channels for reporting complaints.

E-Signed* :
Prince Dotun Oyelade
Hon.Commissioner for Information,
Oyo State