President of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA,), Jasper Nduagwuike, has lamented the poor state of the Enugu International Trade Fair complex, saying that for 33 years, ECCIMA ha been appealing for the completion of the complex, which has remained 18% completed since the 1980s.
Nduagwuike made his feelings known in his welcome address at the Opening ceremony of the 33rd Enugu international trade fair held on Tuesday, 29th March, 2022 at the Permanent site of the Trade Fair complex, Golf Estate,G.R.A.Enugu.
The president appealed to the federal government to give the permanent site a face-lift.
He said: “This is the 33rd time that we are pleading with the Federal Government over a period of 37 years that this complex which has remained 18% completed since the 80s should be given at least a facelift.
“We have made several visits to Abuja to bring this matter home to our parent ministry. However, probably due to the paucity of funds, nothing has been done.
“This Fair is supposed to be an International Trade Fair which means that it is the country Nigeria that is being showcased with this Chamber as the host. What this means is that whatever impression people leave here with, will be the impression they have about Nigeria and not about ECCIMA. This being the case, we pray once more, that at least, some structures like exhibition hall and administrative complex be put in place to raise our bargaining power as we negotiate PPP projects.
“While we wait, however, for this to be done, the Chamber has decided to take its destiny in its own hands, and I can assure you that by the special grace of God and cooperation of public spirited individuals and perhaps the Government, the 34th Enugu International Trade Fair will be declared open in a brand new pavilion. You may therefore wish to take note of how this place is because this is the last time you will see it like this. For those who will heed this plea, a golden memorial plaque shall be erected in their honour and where the funds donated can build the pavilion, the pavilion shall be named after the person.
“To be very clear, you must understand that every single kobo donated to this cause is to clean the image of the country before the international community.
“I believe deeply that for us in Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, it is morning yet on creation day. God willing, by next year, this Fair will truly assume its international status as more than twenty countries have already shown willingness to participate in the 34th edition. In our opinion therefore, things can only get better.”
The president expressed gratitude to God for the 33rd Enugu International Trade Fair and hinted that the present administration will strive to achieve relevance, Excellency and visibility.
His words: “When this present administration was inaugurated on the 5th day of February, 2022, we made it clear that our Chamber will no longer be ritualistic doing things the way it has always been done. We stated that our quest will be for relevance, visibility and excellence.
‘We immediately set about the realization of the said objectives. We are proud to state that we have already started realizing some of them. No doubt, we have become more relevant and visible, attracting for the first time in a very long while sponsorship from reputable companies like Dangote and Nigeria Breweries Plc. With regards to excellence, I am sure that as you entered the Fair ground, you must have noticed very obvious changes that point to our pursuit for excellence.
“No doubt, we still have a very long way to go, but we are encouraged that we have taken the first steps towards the realization of the social contract we entered into with our members and the general public.
He observed that ” the Nigerian economy is on a slow rise after the universal devastation caused by COVID 19 and complicated by the recent conflict between Russia and Ukraine.”
Nduagwuike expressed gladness that the response of government towards this position has been proactive and the resilience of our people has ensured that we remain ahead of the curve.
“As a result, Enugu State has not only continued to thrive but has remained one of the most peaceful States in the Country. It is to this and the Almighty God that we owe our ability to host this Fair for the 33rd time, Nduagwuike said.
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He thanked Governor Ugwuanyi, the Deputy Governor ,Ezeilo, and all who graced the occasion for their support.
In his speech, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs Cecilia Ezeilo, commended ECCIMA for organising the fair. He noted that ECCIMA has remained “a key player in the Nigerian economy, particularly the economy of the South-East zone of Nigeria by holding the prestigious Enugu International trade Fair year in year out.
He said that the theme of the Fair, “Opening up the Nigerian Business Windows for competitiveness in the emerging global market was apt
” To accomplish the much desired recovery and accelerated development, the Nigerian economy must become globally competitive by demonstrating the ability and resilience to supply increasing aggregate demand and maintain exports.
“The economy must create and grow the set of institutions , policies, and factors that continually raise the levels and improved wellbeing for everyone..
He expressed the hope that the 33rd Fair will help open up new vistas for improving the global competitiveness of the Nigerian economy through the creation of opportunities for increased innovation, technological collaboration , human capital development , building of resilient business partnerships and general trade facilitation.
” The Enugu state government recognises the private sector as a key partner in development , with a sincere appreciation of it’s indispensable contributions to employment generation, provision of of essential goods and services, public revenue generation and the forging of mutually beneficial partnerships”, he said.
The governor urged all entrepreneurs to relate closely with the Ease of Doing Business office to help them overcome the problems that affect establishing of business.
There were Goodwill messages from the Secretary of the Government of Federation , Boss Mustapha, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services, Dr.Moris Mbaeli, Permanent Secretary, Enugu state Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Godwin Anigbo, National President, NACCIMA,Ide John Udeagbala, who was represented by the president, South- East Chamber of Commerce ,Industry Mines and Agriculture, (SECCIMA), Dr.Humphrey Ngaonadi, respectively.
They urged participants to maximize the opportunity given by the Fair to engage in business discussions and transactions.
