Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Monday, officially flagged off the 2025 edition of the Oyo State International Trade Fair, tagged EXPOYO 2025.
The event which was held at the Permanent Trade Fair Complex, Samonda, Sango, Ibadan, drew participants from across Oyo and Nigeria.
In his opening remarks, Makinde, represented by the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, described the event, which is expected to run several days, as an important step in realizing the administration’s promise of economic empowerment through consistent business engagement.
Makinde noted that this year’s theme tagged: “Achieving Food Security and Economic Stability in Oyo State through Massive Investment in Agriculture,” represents the administration’s strategic focus on agriculture as a catalyst for economic transformation.
Makinde emphasised the government’s vision to make Oyo the fastest-growing economy in Nigeria, not just by enhancing trade but by building a sustainable ecosystem where businesses of all sizes can flourish.
“The Trade Fair is an opportunity to showcase our natural endowments and cultural heritage while creating a business-friendly environment.
“EXPOYO 2025 serves as a critical platform for investors and business minds to explore opportunities and forge partnerships that drive trade and commerce in Oyo State.”
Makinde also spoke on policies implemented to ease doing business in the state, including the creation of a trade grievance redress mechanism to address trade disruptions, harassment, and unauthorized levies.
“The trade fair is not just for international participants, it offers a unique opportunity for our local entrepreneurs to gain visibility, access markets, and build networks. Our goal is to empower our youth, foster entrepreneurship, and support job creation.”
Makinde further linked EXPOYO 2025 with wider regional trade ambitions, stressing Oyo State’s active role in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He disclosed that the state had hosted a strategic meeting in December 2024 to develop a sub-national AfCFTA implementation plan and had recently visited the AfCFTA Secretariat in Accra, Ghana, to advance its commitment.
He also stressed the importance of sustainability, saying: “We are committed to inclusive growth. Through our Climate Change and Sustainability Program, we are promoting green business models, renewable energy, and environmentally responsible practices to ensure our economic development is in harmony with environmental preservation.”
Makinde commended the fair’s organizers, exhibitors, and stakeholders for their efforts in showcasing Oyo State’s potential.
He urged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity to build connections and forge meaningful collaborations.
“Oyo State is open for business,” he concluded. “Let us work together to transform trade, empower communities, and shape a sustainable future for our state, our country, and the continent.”
Highlighting his administration’s achievements, the Governor reiterated his commitment to investments in infrastructure, transportation, energy, agriculture, and technology.
He also reaffirmed that the State Industrial Park and road and energy upgrades are part of a deliberate strategy to position Oyo as a destination for industrial and commercial growth.
