The Simply Nigerian Fair (SNF) is set to hold its fourth edition in Lagos on Sunday, May 6, 2018.

According to the organisers, the fair would promote local goods and encourage Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with about 108 vendors displaying products from the home and lifestyle, fashion and footwear, fresh produce, plants and flower, hair and body with the food and drink category.

Founder and Director of the Fair, Temi Shenjobi, said the fair, which is the fourth edition, is aimed at increasing the potential of SMEs to grow into sustainable and profitable businesses that can create jobs, promote ability, hardwork and heritage of Nigerians to the world.

SMEs constitute 80 per cent of Nigeria’s employment market and contribute 50 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

This, the group said, would promote indigenous goods and encourage SMEs, adding that the fair is an initiative which promotes home-grown businesses by providing them an affordable platform to showcase their products, increase their market, broaden their networks and add value to their businesses.

Shenjobi said the products that would be displayed during the fair at Garden Fusion Centre in Ikoyi had been screened and ascertained to be excellent Nigerian-made in terms of product, packaging and creativity.

She noted that SNF has attracted endorsements and partnerships from private and public sector, including the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Enterprise Development Centre of Pan Atlantic University, Lagos, Leadway Assurance, House of Tara, Lagos State Parks and Gardens and Conveners of Lagos Fashion and Design Week.

Meanwhile, Director of Retail Marketing, Penelope Gobir, stressed that the fair is targeted at start-ups who need avenue to present their products to the right audience and connect with great calibre of people.

“We have different vendors from Lagos and outside the state. The fair is unique because the target market is for people from Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and Ikeja axis. This is our way of encouraging women and start-ups not to rely on salary because jobs are not easy to come by,” she said.

On trainings conducted for the vendors, Gobir said there would be sensitisation on how to improve their businesses and connect with people.

Other directors behind the fair are Director of Event, Linda Okome and Director of Media and Publicity, Nkiru Asika.