Alaghodaro 2019: Edo residents, participants say ‘it is a summit to remember’

… SMES, artists, others optimistic of the future

Residents of Edo State and participants at Alaghodaro 2019 say this year’s summit has opened another vista into the

investment opportunities abounding in the state.

This year’s summit marks Governor Godwin Obaseki’s third anniversary in office.

A cross-section of participants and residents who spoke with journalists said their waiting and participation in the various events so far have been worthwhile, saying the summit, apart from celebrating the governor’s third edition in office, it heralded the various achievements in basic education, healthcare, urban renewal and others sectors of the state’s economy. Major roads and streets in the capital city of Benin now wear new look as branding materials dot the city’s landscape.

This year’s Alaghodaro 2019 summit, themed ‘Delivering to the People: The Next Level,’ hosts investors, government functionaries, youths, women and other players in the state’s bourgeoning private-sector driven economy.

A trader in Oba Market, Ring Road, Gabriel Ehiagwina, expressed delight over the new look of Benin City, noting that preparations were ongoing to ensure the new status was maintained at the 2019 summit.

“We have been hearing a lot about Alaghodaro 2019 summit on the streets, markets and even on radio and television. The governor is marking his third year in office and we are happy to be celebrating with him. Governor Obaseki is someone we are all proud of. My children in school are happy going to school because of the way they are now being taught. It is really surprising. I am so happy,” according to Ehiagwina.

Blessing Igbinovia, another trader, said the Obaseki- led administration had done a lot to correct the mistakes of past administrations, especially with the clearing of touts from the streets and restoring sanity to public life.

“I am very happy with the government and I am eager to celebrate with the governor. A lot has happened since he came on board. We are better off, I can say that for sure because sanity has returned to the market. People are now really interested in what the government is doing,” she said.

Meanwhile, with the 2019 summit coinciding with the Edo Trade Fair 2019, operators of Small and Medium Enterprises ( SMES), light manufacturers and artists in the state are gearing up for an eventful line-up of activities, slated for the two events to make brisk business.

A cross-section of SME operators, who spoke with journalists, said the Alaghodaro Summit and the Edo Trade Fair present entrepreneurs and traders an opportunity to showcase their product to a wider audience, expressing appreciation to the state government for opening up the business space in the state.

Helen Atekha- Odemwingie, president, Benin Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture ( BENCCIMA), said SMES in the state had reached out to the chamber with enquiries on how they can partake in the trade fair, noting that the reception had been overwhelming.

“We worked hard to ensure that, in partnership with the state government, we revive the Edo Trade Fair. The fair is being held as part of activities lined up for Alaghodaro 2019, held to mark the governor’s third year anniversary. That is why the activities will run concurrently with the summit,” according to Odemwingie.

The chamber has been inundated with enquiries by exhibitors and business owners, who want to participate in the Fair, she said, noting, “The fair secretariat has been a beehive of activity as a lot of businesses have expressed interest in participating in the fair. We are making sure everything is set so we can host the crème of Nigeria’s business community at the fair.”

Emmanuel Oboh, a businessman in Mission Road axis of Benin City, said the business community in the state was upbeat to witness the revival of the Edo Trade Fair, noting, “A lot of my colleagues are very much elated to learn that the Trade Fair is being revived. We appreciate BENCCIMA and the government for their effort.”

A trader, Antonia Efe, said the state government had done a lot to promote entrepreneurship in the state, adding that the fair would present an opportunity for businesses in the state to form alliances and increase productivity.