Rant HQ organises trade fair to promote SMEs

In an apparent reference to the on-going conversation surrounding the call for stronger regulation of the social media by the government of Nigeria, the founder of one of the largest, and arguably the fastest-growing Facebook group RantHQ, Ms Suzan Ade-Coker, has advocated for self-regulation by key actors on the social media as a solution to the menace of social media.

Rant HQ, one of the biggest groups on Facebook, has organised a trade fair to promote Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs) in Nigeria. 

The event, which held in Lagos, had vendors display their products to boost sales and increase awareness.

Founder of the group, Suzan Ade Coker, said the fair was to replicate offline what happens in the group on Monday’s. She noted that it would also give them the opportunity to network and promote Nigerian goods. 

According to her, the group aims to impact society through the positive use of social media, noting that as a rule all the group’s hang out was geared towards charity and empowerment.

She added that they have worked with the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) a few times. On dealing with negativity, she said the group focuses on its purpose and not bad remarks or misconceptions. She applauded Nigerians for having a strong online presence and being passionate about their business. 

She emphasised, “groups could take responsibility on the output of their page by setting rules and guidelines asides those put up by Facebook.” 

She, however, said that traditional and modern media are intertwined as one could not exist without the other. 

One of the vendors, Chief Executive Officer of Eljay, Charity Andrew noted that the turn up was encouraging and it had the right awareness required for her brand, adding that she would be part of the next trade fair when it arises. 

She noted that her greatest challenge had been the acceptance of the products, but constant awareness and explanation of health benefits have helped. 

Her product comprises of modern snacks from the northern part of Nigeria such as kilishi, coconut candy, dakkuwa, chicken and beef danbun nama among others.