The Oyo State Government has announced that the 2026 Oyo State International Trade Fair, EXPOYO 2026, will hold from 26 October to 1 November, with a focus on connecting local entrepreneurs to business opportunities across Africa.

The trade fair, organised in collaboration with the Oyo State Council of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OYCCIMA), will take place at the Permanent International Trade Fair Complex, opposite Ventura, Sango–UI Road, Ibadan.

The formal opening ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, 27 October, under the theme “Trade Without Borders: Connecting Oyo Entrepreneurs to Africa’s Business Opportunities.”

The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Prof Salihu Adelabu, announced the dates on Friday in his office, describing the fair as part of the state government’s efforts to promote economic growth, attract investment and strengthen indigenous enterprises.

Adelabu expressed appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde for approving the hosting of the event, noting that the initiative would provide opportunities for entrepreneurs, manufacturers, investors, artisans, traders and other business stakeholders to showcase their products and establish valuable business connections.

He said the trade fair would also enable participants to explore new markets within and outside Nigeria, while supporting the government’s drive to strengthen local industries and expand market access for businesses across the state.

The Commissioner reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working with OYCCIMA and other stakeholders to ensure the success of the event and position Oyo State as a destination for trade, investment and enterprise development.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Olajide Mamud Okesade, described EXPOYO 2026 as an important platform for connecting businesses, strengthening commercial relationships and showcasing the economic potential of the state.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the EXPOYO 2026 Organising Committee and OYCCIMA member, Mr Salawu Wahab, thanked Governor Makinde for approving the event and acknowledged the state government’s support.

Wahab said the committee was working to deliver a successful fair that would provide exhibitors and visitors with opportunities for product promotion, business networking and access to wider markets.

The Vice Chairman of the organising committee, Chief Abiola Alli, called for stronger collaboration among relevant government institutions to ensure effective coordination and broad participation.

The organisers also announced that the trade fair would feature a raffle draw, with participants having the opportunity to win various prizes through the purchase of raffle tickets.

Oyo assesses business grievance redress mechanism

In a related development, the Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the business environment as independent verification agents assessed the implementation of the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Programme at the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry.

The exercise formed part of the SABER Year Three (2025) Annual Performance Assessment, with particular attention to the Ministry’s grievance redress mechanism for business-related complaints.

The verification was designed to examine the Ministry’s records, processes and arrangements for receiving and addressing complaints from traders and other business operators across the state.

Receiving the verification team in his office, Adelabu stressed the importance of accountability, effective service delivery and continuous improvement in the implementation of government reforms.

He commended Governor Makinde for his commitment to policies and initiatives aimed at creating an enabling environment for trade, investment and economic growth.

The independent verification agents, Mr Victor Odesola and Mr Emmanuel Kolade, explained that the exercise was intended to verify the Ministry’s performance under the SABER Programme.

They expressed satisfaction with the efforts recorded so far and urged the Ministry to sustain and improve its performance.

The agents also encouraged the Ministry to intensify public awareness campaigns on its trade grievance redress mechanism to ensure that traders and business operators across Oyo State know the available channels for reporting complaints.

The assessment is part of efforts to strengthen accountability and improve the mechanisms through which businesses can raise concerns and seek redress in their dealings with government institutions. (Saturday Tribune)