By Zainab Oyekan
Organisers of the Jos National Trade fair have introduced initiatives aimed at empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and encouraging exhibitors to boost growth, innovation, jobs, and market opportunities.
Mrs Barshep-Amakiri, Managing Director and CEO of Anista Marketing and Events Limited, the consulting firm managing the event, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Jos.
Barshep- Amakiri said that this year’s trade fair would enable SMEs and exhibitors to benefit from strategic partnerships with Nigerian Breweries Plc, Guinness Nigeria, MTN, and others, through access to resources, training, networking, and market opportunities.
She said the fair would also feature collaborations with DSTV, who would activate Showmax on participants’ phones, and GIZ, a company that is sponsoring a 100-square-meter space to showcase Made-in-Plateau products.
According to her, the initiative includes capacity-building workshops, access to funding opportunities, and mentorship sessions with industry experts.
“The initiative is basically to enhance the experience for SMEs, exhibitors, and visitors, providing them with unique opportunities and resources, “ she said.
The entrepreneur noted that the theme for this year’s fair was timely as it focused on “SMEs-‘Exploring Innovations to Drive SMEs in the Trade Fair”.
“The initiative is basically to enhance the experience for SMEs, exhibitors, and visitors, providing them with unique opportunities and resources, “ she said.
According to Barshep-Amakiri, more than 50 SMEs are participating, with significant sponsorship from the Plateau Microfinance Development Agency (PLASMIDA), which is supporting 20 SMEs.
Furthermore, she said the fair was designed to be a one-stop shop for trade and commerce, featuring the Nigerian Shippers Council, to guide exporters, and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, to ensure the products on display were qualitative.
“These initiatives are tailored to provide SMEs with the tools and knowledge needed to scale up their operations and compete effectively in both local and international markets,” she said.
Barsheb-Amakiri stressed that the event aimed to attract 300 exhibitors, both local and international, creating a vibrant platform for networking, market exposure, knowledge sharing, collaborations, and investment opportunities.
She urged everyone to participate in the trade fair, emphasising its potential to transform businesses and drive economic growth.
“The event promises to be a transformative platform for businesses, particularly SMEs, as they explore new avenues for growth and innovation.” NAN
OIZ/ DOR
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Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore
