By Nurudeen Adebayo
The Ikorodu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) kicked off its highly anticipated 2024 Commodities Expo with a grand inauguration ceremony at the bustling Ita-Elewa Shopping Complex on Saturday, April 13th.
Distinguished personalities, including HRM Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu Kingdom, graced the event, marking the beginning of a five-day trade fair aimed at showcasing a diverse range of commodities from Ikorodu and beyond.
Chief R.O Shoderu, the President of ICCI, extended a warm welcome to attendees, emphasizing the Expo’s significance in providing a platform for businesses to exhibit their products to potential buyers.
The event, organized to unfold over the next five days, promises to be a catalyst for economic growth, fostering collaboration and innovation within the business community of Ikorodu and beyond.
Chief Shoderu highlighted the crucial support received from the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Cooperatives, as well as the Ikorodu Local Government, in making the event possible.
“The Expo serves as a vital networking opportunity for self-made business owners,” remarked Chief Shoderu, urging entrepreneurs to capitalize on the occasion to expand their reach and foster growth.
The presence of vendors from Surulere, Oshodi, and various parts of Ikorodu division underscored the regional appeal of the event, turning the Ita-Elewa Shopping Complex into a vibrant marketplace.
The Expo gained further commendation from the paramount ruler of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, who praised the ICCI for its efforts in organizing such a commendable initiative.
Speaking on behalf of the ceremony’s chairman, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, Oba Shotobi emphasized the importance of providing traders with a platform to showcase their goods to a wider audience.
He expressed pride in Ikorodu’s progressive spirit, citing the city’s ranking as the 3rd largest in Southwest Nigeria and the 12th in the nation, as indicative of its potential for economic advancement through initiatives like the Commodities Expo.
Following Oba Shotobi’s address, the royal blessing was bestowed upon the weeklong event, symbolized by the cutting of the ribbon to officially inaugurate the Expo.
Exhibitors eagerly presented their products to the king, with some receiving immediate patronage, underscoring the potential for tangible business outcomes resulting from the Expo.
The event was expertly anchored by Alhaji M.A Afolabi and Mr. Kolawole Fatai, members of ICCI’s trade fair committee.
Notable attendees included Chief Tele Oduloye, 1st Deputy President of ICCI; Prof. Kunle Ade Wahab; Deaconess Busola Isikalu; Mr. F.A Ewunuga; and Alhaja Zainab Alogba, among others.
Reflecting on the significance of the Expo, exhibitors expressed their enthusiasm to the Ikorodu News Network (INN), describing it as a pivotal opportunity to enhance business prospects not only in Ikorodu but across Lagos State.
The Ikorodu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) traces its origins to the Ikorodu Division Resource Development Group (IDRDG) following the success of the 1st Trade Fair in April 2000.
