Entrepreneurs urged to be dedicated, as Students, exhibitors, participants laud UI for organising SME Fair

The Convener  of the University of Ibadan Small and Medium Enterprises SMEs Fair 2023, Associate Professor Ruth Ochanya Adio-Moses has urged entrepreneurs to put into good use what they have learnt during the SMEs Fair.

Associate Professor Adio-Moses stated this during the closing ceremony of the Fair which had in attendance the wife of the former governor of Oyo state Dr. Mrs Florence Ajimobi , the Deputy Vice Chancellor Research Innovation and Strategic Partnerships Professor Oluyemisi Bamgbose, officials from the Bank of Industry , Providus bank among others.

This is as  Dr. Mrs Florence Ajimobi,  students of the University of Ibadan , exhibitors and other participants at the University of Ibadan SMEs Fair   commended  the University and the Associate Professor Ruth Ochanya Adio-Moses’ led committee  for organizing a robust  t SMEs Fair that brought the town and the gown together in the University.

The 2023 edition of the University of Ibadan Small and Medium Enterprises Fair which started on November 1st came to an  end on Wednesday November 2nd.

The two  day Fair organised by the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor  Research and Strategic Innovation in conjunction with  BLG events  had the theme “Beyond Borders : Connecting Research, Innovation and Enterprise kick starts the 75th anniversary celebration of the Premier University of  Nigeria.

The Fair provided opportunity for Small and Medium Enterprises SMEs to showcase thier goods and products and for student entrepreneurs to develop thier business acumen and skills by learning from experienced entrepreneurs.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships Professor Oluyemisi Bamgbose who was at the closing ceremony said the University of Ibadan’s Fair provided a nurturing environment where emerging enterprises can flourish , collaborations can be bloomed  and groundbreaking ideas can take root. She stated. ” The University of Ibadan has been  known for its commitment to research and we firmly believe that research and innovation are the driving forces behind a successful enterprise. By leveraging our academic prowess and investing in cutting – edge research, we can pave the way for novel solutions, technological advancements and sustainable business models that transcend borders and offer solutions to societal challenges”

The event which had notable entrepreneurs dishing out thier wealth of experiences to building a successful enterprise , also afforded the participants and exhibitors  the opportunity to meet with the officials from the Bank of Industry, BOI, Entrepreneurship Network in Nigeria, Providus bank among other organizations that  mentor upcoming enterpreneurs and provide them with templates on how to secure financial support from family members and institutions of lending.

A student who identified herself as Joy said ” I am glad I attended the Fair. I have learnt alot by listening to others. I will start my business soon so as to earn an extra income. I really appreciate the University for organising the Fair.

Another student entrepreneur Adeoye Ademola said ” I have my own business but from what I have learnt from the Fair , I will look at how to expand my business and get it to many people. I met entrepreneurs who are willing to mentor me,. I urge my fellow students to take the Fair seriously and attend next year. It’s a great Fair and I appreciate the University for organising it”.

Mrs Oyenike Adeleke the Convener of the Ibadan Entrepreneurs Network said ” The Fair is a beautiful initiative. It’s a good opportunity to meet with other people and network. Businesses can come together ,work together to achieve success. I urge entrepreneurs to join an association. There are alot of benefits in joining association”.

Also speaking at the event, Dr. Femi Awoyemi who is the Founder of Young Africa Brain also commended the University of Ibadan for organising the SMEs Fair. He said ” This is a great idea. The students, the staff and the town have come together on a platform provided by the University of Ibadan. This will go a long way to instill the enterpreneurship spirit in the students. As well as encouraging those who have started thier business not to network, learn and remain committed to taking to ensuring that the business continues to flourish”.

As part of efforts to grow SME in- house, the students participated in form of competition, where they showcased their skills.

Also  , Mrs Adejoke Oyekan , the founder of Purplebloom publisher commended the University of Ibadan for the SMES Fair. She said “I am one of the exhibitors who were given free participation tag. I want to use this opportunity to thank the organisers for providing this platform. Book publishing requires alot of finance. Apart from the town patronizing the book sellers , the Universities also should continue to patronise us. This is a wonderful initiative and I commend UI”.

Also, Amara Ifeanyi Njoku of Providus bank added that the bank will continue to work with organisations to provide the necessary support for SMEs to thrive in Nigeria.

 Dr. Mrs. Forence Ajimobi in her address  said Small and Medium Enterprises have become means of livelihood for many families and the sector should not be looked down upon. Dr. Ajimobi while urging the business men and women to remain committed to developing thier businesses added that all hands should be on deck to support SMEs as she applauded the University of Ibadan for organizing the Fair.    She said ” I started my business from my living room some years ago but today I can tell you that the business has grown and we have branches.  I urge the entrepreneurs to remain committed to thier business. Over time, you will see that the business will go beyond just sustaining you and your family members to providing employment for many people. This you can achieve only if you do not quit “.

Awards, cash  prizes among other incentives were handed to students , exhibitors and staff at the event. A student entrepreneur with the name  Forget Me Knot NG emerged the  winner of student entrepreneurs 2023 competition at the Fair ,while May Couture beats other exhibitors to emerged winner. The winners were given cash rewards for thier efforts by university.

Dr. Mrs Ajimobi in a bid to boost SMEs initiatives among the students and members of the public announced cash gifts to students who assisted during the Fair and to the winners at the exhibition .

For a better society

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