Gov Eno Assures Small Businesses Of Grants, Loans

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom state has hinted of creating a strong and prosperous private sector in the ongoing reforms drive towards the diversification of the primarily civil service economy driven by oil resources over the years.

Towards this end, the state government has invested significantly in revitalising the tourism/hospitality, trade, and investment sectors in line with the administration’s ARISE Agenda blueprint.

Declaring open the fourth edition of the Akwa Ibom Tropicana Trade Fair at at Ibom Tropicana Complex, Udoudoma Avenue, Uyo, the opening ceremony, governor Eno, who was represented by the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Capt. Iniobong Ekong (rtd.), commended the organisers for the initiative.

He noted that the fair, with over 100 exhibitors displaying various products, aligns with the state’s ARISE Agenda, emphasising that “commerce is a vital driver of economic growth.”
The governor, therefore, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through grants, interest – free loans, and improved market access.

LEADERSHIP learnt the fair tagged “Tropicana Shopping Fiesta” is bankrolled by Market Square, Guinness, Ibom Air, ECEWS, Champion Breweries and other corporate citizens, aimed at boosting local production for economic stability.

This year’s edition recorded an exceptional turnout of exhibitors, with more vendors than the space could accommodate with participants showcasing a wide range of products and services, including educational services, food items, adult and children’s clothing, electronics, home décor, and an array of indigenous items such as soaps, beauty products, and accessories.

Speaking on behalf of the organisers, A&NE Consults, the Public Relations Manager, Magdalene Mendie, recalled that “the Tropicana Trade Fair was conceived to provide a valuable platform for small and medium-sized businesses to reach a large, diverse consumer base in one central location.”

“The fair also offers shoppers a one-stop destination to meet their holiday shopping needs and is widely considered the biggest shopping event in the state.

“The long-term vision of the fair is to expose young, enterprising vendors to larger markets by connecting them to regional and national trade opportunities. This aligns with efforts to promote product and talent exports from the state.

“Beyond shopping, the fair provides a relaxed environment featuring food courts, snacks, music, and performances, creating a festive atmosphere for families and visitors,” organisers stated.

Others top officials who graced the fair included the Commissioner for Lands, Dr. Ubong Inyang; Commissioner for Internal Security, Gen. Koko Essien (rtd.); and the Chairman of the State Hotel and Tourism Board, Mrs. Ime Udo, Dr. Andy Eyo, of ECEWS, who was represented.