As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), the Enugu State Government has unveiled plans for a landmark trade fair aimed at accelerating growth for local businesses. The event, set to take place in November 2024, underscores the state’s commitment to fostering a vibrant SME ecosystem, seen as vital to its economic expansion agenda.
Announcing the initiative at a press conference in Enugu on Thursday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on MSMEs and Digital Economy, Arinze Chilo-Offiah, revealed that the trade fair would be held under the banner of the newly created brand, the “Enugu 042 Naija Brand Chick Trade Fair.” This inaugural event will take place on the 2nd and 3rd of November, 2024, and is expected to become an annual fixture on the state’s business calendar.
The fair is a collaborative effort between the Enugu State Government, through its SME Agency and Office of Digital Economy, and NaijaBrandChick, a renowned business influencer and entrepreneur dedicated to empowering SMEs across Nigeria and beyond. This partnership aims to provide Enugu-based businesses with unparalleled opportunities to connect with both local and international markets.
“We are thrilled to announce the ‘Enugu 042 Naija Brand Chick Trade Fair,’ an event that will open up new horizons for our SMEs by connecting them to global markets,” said Mr. Chilo-Offiah. “Our partner, NaijaBrandChick, has successfully organized similar events in major Nigerian cities and internationally, and we are confident that this collaboration will bring immense benefits to Enugu’s business community.”
According to Chilo-Offiah, this initiative aligns with Governor Peter Mbah’s administration’s broader vision to invigorate Enugu’s economy by promoting private-sector investment and facilitating the ease of doing business. H.E. Dr. Peter Mbah, he noted, has long recognized the critical role SMEs play as the backbone of any thriving economy.
“The governor is deeply committed to unlocking new business opportunities in Enugu and is providing robust support for this initiative,” added Chilo-Offiah. “This trade fair will not only offer exposure to local entrepreneurs but will also help position Enugu as a hub for commerce and innovation.”
NaijaBrandChick’s founder, Mrs. Nelly Agbogu, also spoke at the press conference, highlighting the trade fair’s anticipated impact. “We expect vendors from across Nigeria and beyond to participate, creating a melting pot of business opportunities and market connections,” Agbogu said. “Our goal is to empower these businesses by making them more visible, connecting them to new customers, and helping them grow.”
Beyond facilitating trade, Agbogu emphasized that the fair would also include workshops and training sessions for participants. “We are not just stopping at trade. We are bringing in financial experts, business strategy consultants, and technology specialists to equip vendors with the skills they need to succeed. From content creation to marketing strategies, this event will provide a holistic platform for business growth,” she added.
The Enugu 042 Naija Brand Chick Trade Fair is expected to attract not only local vendors but also participants from across Nigeria and abroad, solidifying its reputation as a key event for business development in the region.
With the fair’s focus on innovation, capacity building, and market expansion, the Enugu State Government and NaijaBrandChick are aiming to provide an unmatched opportunity for MSMEs in the state and beyond, creating a ripple effect that will drive sustainable economic growth.
The Enugu SME Center (“Enugu SME” or “Agency”) is the State Developmental Finance Institution tasked with the purview of acting as a catalyst for job creation and facilitating easier access to resources required by entrepreneurs and investors in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), to achieve sustainable economic development in Enugu State.
