The Benin Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BENCCIMA) has said the forthcoming Edo Trade Fair had been strategically positioned as an economic intervention platform aimed at driving youth employment, financial inclusion, and private sector growth in the state.
The Second Deputy President of BENCCIMA, Dr. Jonathan Alele Oboite, disclosed this on Friday, noting that the initiative aligns with broader efforts to strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and deepen collaboration between the organised private sector and financial institutions.
He said several banks and development finance institutions had agreed in principle to engage directly with youths and small business owners during the fair, offering tailored financial products, enterprise support services, and employment opportunities.
“We are using this platform to bridge systemic gaps between young entrepreneurs, producers, and financial institutions. For years, there has been interest, but no coordinated structure to connect demand with opportunity,” he said.
Oboite, who also serves as the Trade Fair Director, said the chamber deferred the event last year to allow for data-driven planning, stakeholder mapping, and policy alignment.
He said this year’s edition, scheduled to commence in November, is focused on sustainability, scalability, and measurable economic impact.
Oboite said consultations were held with key regulatory agencies, including the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, to ensure that products showcased at the fair meet national standards.
The trade fair director said the initiative also seeks to integrate critical sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and the creative industry into a unified value chain, thereby promoting local production, reducing import dependence, and expanding non-oil revenue sources.
The strong presence of commercial banks, fintech firms, and development finance institutions at a recent stakeholders’ dinner – represented at regional leadership level – underscores growing confidence in Edo’s business environment and the viability of the trade fair as an investment platform, he said.
