We remain committed to supporting Jos trade fair – Lalong

By Golok Nanmwa ,Jos

Plateau state Governor Simon Lalong has said his administration is committed to supporting the Jos Trade Fair .
Lalong made this known while speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2019 Jos trade fair .

He said ” This event is dear to my heart and our Rescue Administration because of our desire to not only restore the glory of our beloved State, but also build an economy that will provide opportunities and support the entrepreneurial spirit of the Plateau man, woman and youth.

” This is why I welcome and appreciate all businessmen and women, corporate bodies, and exhibitors that have come from far and near to participate in this Trade Fair and join us in the process of rebuilding our state.”

” Since assuming office in 2015, our Rescue Administration has continued to remove all obstacles that are inimical to economic growth such as insecurity, poor infrastructure, and stress of doing business among others.”

” Today, we have made a lot of progress in turning around the security situation, such that many investors are now eager to bring their money into Plateau State and are reaping huge benefits.”

” This has not only encouraged us to do more in marketing the business and investment opportunities on the Plateau to the outside world, but equally assisted us in mapping out strategies of achieving our Next Level Vision, which has Sustainable Economic Rebirth as one of its three pillars.”

Lalong further said ” Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I have been informed that the theme of the 2019 Jos Trade Fair is“Trade Fairs: A Platform for Promoting Tourism Potentials on the Plateau”” No doubt, this is a well thought out theme that supports our Government’s efforts at developing the abundant tourism potentials and re-establishing the fact that Plateau State is indeed the Home of Peace and Tourism in Nigeria and Africa.”

” Plateau State as you all know is a very viable investment hub in the Nigerian tourism industry.” Our cool temperature, serene and enchanting beauty and other natural gifts are begging to be utilised.”

” I invite both local and foreign investors to come and invest in holiday resorts, game reserves, hotels, picnic sites, entertainment, fashion and other opportunities that will meet global standard and improve tourism business.”

” As part of making the investment climate more friendly, our Rescue Administration is putting in place infrastructure such as roads and street lights on major and feeder roads in the State Capital and environs as well as beautifying roundabouts with the support of corporate organizations.”

” We are ready to do more in line with our commitment to providing a conducive atmosphere for smooth operations and partnership with private sector under PPP arrangements.”

” A fair such as this undoubtedly provides a window to showcase the beauty, people, and endowments of the state and serves as a forum for dialogue and exchange of ideas between producers and consumers of goods and services.”

” As you may be aware, Plateau State has continued to churn out high level of technological innovation such as the locally manufactured Tractor and equipment spearheaded by Jerry Mallo.”

” Only recently, a Power Bank and accessories innovation by Zang Luka Bot again retained the dominance of the State at the National MSME Awards in Abuja, where he emerged as one of the overall best nationally.”

” It is to showcase these and more that I directed that the Government Sponsors a Pavilion with about 20 booths at this Trade Fair, specially dedicated to showcasing Made in Plateau Products.”

” This is our own way of supporting indigenous entrepreneurship and keying into the Federal Government Policy of Sustaining Local Production.”

” This is one of the major ways we can create jobs, reduce unemployment, boost our economy, and engage our teaming youths thereby eliminating crime and idleness.”

” Besides, we are determined to radically improve our revenue base to meet up with demands of providing basic services to our people. Accordingly, we have engaged a reputable tax consulting firm to work with our Board of Internal Revenue to achieve our goal.”

” Other steps aimed at boosting the commercial portfolio of the State include the rebuilding of the burnt Jos Main Market under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, as well as providing a befitting complex which will serve as a One-Stop-Shop for investors doing business with us.”

Lalong further said ” Let me at this point appreciate the good working relationship between the Government and the private sector through the Plateau State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PLACCIMA) for the general economic development of the State.”

” Your efforts at partnering the Government to promote economic activities such as this Annual Trade Fair in the State is highly commendable.”

” Let me use this opportunity to say that the State Government is planning an Investment and Economic Summit within the year which will further deepen the implementation of the Five Year Development Plan recently adopted by the Plateau State Executive Council.”

” For the organizers and participants at this International Trade Fair, I wish to assure you that the security of your lives and property is guaranteed as adequate security measures have been put in place throughout the period of the trade fair. Feel free to explore and enjoy Plateau State while you are here.”

” I also call on the peace loving people of Plateau State to demonstrate our usual high level of hospitality to our teeming visitors and participants and also patronize the trade fair to the end.”

    As you settle down for business, I wish the organizers and participants at the Jos 2019 Trade Fair all the best as you relish in one of the unique activities that mark the sustainable economic rebirth of the State."

Speaking earlier Bolict Barshep the Managing Director of Anista Marketing the organizers of the fair said “I welcome you to this year’s Jos trade fair 2019 believing it is yet another opportunity for us to savor the great moment of our interaction through various trade exhibitions, cross cultural relations, entertainment and other forms of engagements. “In 2016, against all odds, we staged a trade fair in Jos which was adjudged as one of the best in recent times and by sheer determination we are staging the eight edition this year.
Counting on the successes of previous editions, it has become imperative that we build on that in other to achieve greater success as it is evident in this years edition and to put the name of Plateau once again on the high amongst states to be reckoned with.”
” I use this opportunity to congratulate HE on his recent victory at the tribunal which came shortly after his election as the chairman of the northern governors forum.” This we believe are signs of greater things to come.
Your Excellency, kindly accept our sincere congrats.
Let me also at this juncture congratulate the Commissioner for commerce and industry, Hon. Joseph Abbey Aku, your appointment is yet another win for the administration as it will encourage more economic activities on the Plateau.
The choice of the theme for the Jos Trade fair 2019 which is “Trade Fairs, a Platform to Promote the Tourism Potentials on the Plateau” is apt as this will open doors for the building of a stronger economy for our dear state.
It is worthy of note that this year’s event is unique in such that for the first time we have the Simon Bako Lalong Made in Plateau Exhibition Pavilion with about 35 MSMEs fully sponsored by the Plateau State government.
ANISTA marketing has in addition to the daily business activities of the day ,rolled out it’s daily evening social events with a regular well attended musical concert which will serve as an avenue to tap from the raw talents that abound on the plateau, thereby creating an avenue for them to meet with stakeholders in the industry.
This in no small way gives them a platform to improve on themselves and get into the entertainment market.
I would like to use this medium to appreciate our foreign exhibitors who are seated here for the interest they have developed in the state which necessitated them travelling very long distances to Nigeria and plateau state for the trade fair. Please ensure you explore the opportunities that abound in the state.
Our thanks goes to other exhibitors and strategic partners who are gathered here. We urge you to play a great role towards the success of this trade fair.
We also believe that the coming together of people from within and outside the shores of Nigeria will open doors for our numerous technological talents that abound in the state to showcase what they can do.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I cannot end this speech without expressing our gratitude to the plateau state government for yet another privilege to work with you.
I thank PLACCIMA for being a great partner in the success of this journey.
I thank the media and all the security agencies for maintaining peace and order thus far.

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We remain committed to supporting Jos trade fair – Lalong