2019 Jos Trade Fair :Lalong In Partnership  With PPP To Promote Plateau

Yakubu Busari

The Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has said his administration is ready to do more in line with commitment to providing a conducive atmosphere for smooth operations and partnership with private sector under PPP arrangements.

 

He disclosed this during the opening ceremony of 2019 Trade Fair at polo club venue of the occasion.

 

Lalong said, It is a great pleasure for me to personally attend and address you on this historic occasion which is the opening of the 2019 Jos Trade Fair.

 

This event is dear to my heart and our Rescue Administration because of our desire to not only restore the glory of our beloved State, but also build an economy that will provide opportunities and support the entrepreneurial spirit of the Plateau man, woman and youth.

 

The Governor appreciated all businessmen and women, corporate bodies, and exhibitors that have come from far and near to participate in this Trade Fair and join us in the process of rebuilding our state.

 

Since assuming office in 2015, our Rescue Administration has continued to remove all obstacles that are inimical to economic growth such as insecurity, poor infrastructure, and stress of doing business among others.

 

 

We have made a lot of progress in turning around the security situation, such that many investors are now eager to bring their money into Plateau State and are reaping huge benefits.

 

 

This has not only encouraged us to do more in marketing the business and investment opportunities on the Plateau to the outside world, but equally assisted us in mapping out strategies of achieving our Next Level Vision, which has Sustainable Economic Rebirth as one of its three pillars.

 

I have been informed that the theme of the 2019 Jos Trade Fair is “Trade Fairs: A Platform for Promoting Tourism Potentials on the Plateau”.

 

 

No doubt, this is a well thought out theme that supports our Government’s efforts at developing the abundant tourism potentials and re-establishing the fact that Plateau State is indeed the Home of Peace and Tourism in Nigeria and Africa.

 

 

Plateau State as you all know is a very viable investment hub in the Nigerian tourism industry. Our cool temperature, serene and enchanting beauty and other natural gifts are begging to be utilized.

 

I invite both local and foreign investors to come and invest in holiday resorts, game reserves, hotels, picnic sites, entertainment, fashion and other opportunities that will meet global standard and improve tourism business.

 

 

As part of making the investment climate more friendly, our Rescue Administration is putting in place infrastructure such as roads and street lights on major and feeder roads in the State Capital and environs as well as beautifying roundabouts with the support of corporate organizations.

 

A fair such as this undoubtedly provides a window to showcase the beauty, people, and endowments of the state and serves as a forum for dialogue and exchange of ideas between producers and consumers of goods and services.

 

Our government is committed to supporting the Jos Trade Fair as it opens doors for our small and medium entrepreneurs to showcase their innovations and products; having gone through various processes of training and coaching by the Plateau Small and Medium Enterprises Agency (PLASMIDA).

 

As you may be aware, Plateau State has continued to churn out high level of technological innovation such as the locally manufactured Tractor and equipment spearheaded by Jerry Mallo.

 

Only recently, a Power Bank and accessories innovation by Zang Luka Bot again retained the dominance of the State at the National MSME Awards in Abuja, where he emerged as one of the overall best nationally.

 

 

It is to showcase these and more that I directed that the Government Sponsors a Pavilion with about 20 booths at this Trade Fair, specially dedicated to showcasing Made in Plateau Products.

 

This is our own way of supporting indigenous entrepreneurship and keying into the Federal Government Policy of Sustaining Local Production.

 

 

This is one of the major ways we can create jobs, reduce unemployment, boost our economy, and engage our teaming youths thereby eliminating crime and idleness.

 

Besides, we are determined to radically improve our revenue base to meet up with demands of providing basic services to our people. Accordingly, we have engaged a reputable tax consulting firm to work with our Board of Internal Revenue to achieve our goal.

 

Other steps aimed at boosting the commercial portfolio of the State include the rebuilding of the burnt Jos Main Market under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, as well as providing a befitting complex which will serve as a One-Stop-Shop for investors doing business with us.

 

 

Let me at this point appreciate the good working relationship between the Government and the private sector through the Plateau State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PLACCIMA) for the general economic development of the State.

 

Your effort at partnering the Government to promote economic activities such as this Annual Trade Fair in the State is highly commendable.

 

Let me use this opportunity to say that the State Government is planning an Investment and Economic Summit within the year which will further deepen the implementation of the Five Year Development Plan recently adopted by the Plateau State Executive Council.

 

For the organizers and participants at this International Trade Fair, I wish to assure you that the security of your lives and property is guaranteed as adequate security measures have been put in place throughout the period of the trade fair. Feel free to explore and enjoy Plateau State while you are here.

 

I also call on the peace loving people of Plateau State to demonstrate our usual high level of hospitality to our teeming visitors and participants and also patronize the trade fair to the end.

 

As you settle down for business, I wish the organizers and participants at the Jos 2019 Trade Fair all the best as you relish in one of the unique activities that mark the sustainable economic rebirth of the State.

 

 

On this note I hereby declare the Jos 2019 Trade Fair Open to the glory of God and humanity as well the prosperity of Plateau State.