Ogun State is positioning itself to attract fresh investments and strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises as the Ogun State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture announced plans for the 15th Gateway International Trade Fair scheduled for February 6 to 16, 2026.
The disclosure was made on Tuesday by the President of OGUNCCIMA, Lion Niyi Oshiyemi, during a press conference at the chamber’s secretariat in Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, where he said the fair would once again serve as a meeting point for businesses, investors and policymakers from within and outside the country.
According to him, the 2026 edition, themed Promoting Businesses through Partnership, is being organised in collaboration with the Ogun State Government and will take place at the M.K.O. Abiola Trade Fair Complex, Abeokuta.
He noted that the event has grown over the years into a recognised platform for trade promotion, innovation and enterprise expansion.
Oshiyemi explained that the annual fair brings together enterprises of different sizes, government agencies and investors, providing opportunities to showcase products and services while opening doors to local and international markets.
He added that the fair has consistently attracted a large consumer base, describing it as a dependable marketplace for exhibitors.
“The Gateway International Trade Fair has become a space where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are built and businesses find new opportunities for growth. This edition will further deepen collaboration among stakeholders and support economic development,” he said.
He commended the Ogun State Government for its continued support, calling on corporate bodies, public institutions, exhibitors and residents to actively participate to ensure a successful outing.
Speaking separately on the state of agriculture, the chamber president drew attention to the challenges confronting farmers, particularly insecurity, logistics and unstable pricing, despite existing government interventions.
He urged authorities to consider serving as off-takers for farm produce to guarantee returns and encourage sustained production.
“If farmers are assured of buyers before planting, confidence will return to the sector and productivity will improve,” he stated.
Also speaking at the briefing, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr Kehinde Omitogun, described the Gateway Trade Fair as a strategic tool for business development, investment attraction and enterprise linkage across the state and beyond.
He said the theme of the fair aligns with Ogun State’s economic development agenda, which places emphasis on public private collaboration.
Omitogun recalled that the 14th edition recorded improved participation by exhibitors, stronger business connections and increased visibility for MSMEs, adding that these outcomes reinforce the relevance of the trade fair to economic growth.
He assured that the ministry would continue to support OGUNCCIMA to deliver a successful 2026 edition.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, represented by Mrs Osibodu, stressed the need for stronger partnerships along the agricultural value chain, from production to marketing.
She encouraged enterprises to take advantage of the trade fair while urging the organisers to raise the bar beyond previous editions.
She also highlighted initiatives of the ministry under the current administration, including the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project in agriculture, which has improved facilities across farm settlements and boosted farmers’ livelihoods.
