Sokoto State has served as a host to the first ever Trade and Exhibition Fair jointly organised by Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states towards strengthening ties.
Officials said the fair was aimed at reviving the collapsing business relationship among the three states.
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The three states have many things in common. Apart from being located closely with one another, they were of the same tradition, tribe and religion and they all have abundant deposits of mineral resources.
At the trade fair complex in Sokoto, our reporter observed local producers and marketers from the three states, displaying their goods.
Some of the notable products found at the market include cosmetics, Shea seeds, leather works, black tea and locally made wares, among others.
There were other participants from the Southern parts of the country who displayed various goods made in that side of the country.
The National Automotive Design and Development Commission (NADDC) also displayed the Hyundai Kona electric car, among other vehicles that were assembled in Nigeria.
There were also stands for herbalists, agro allied traders and those who trade in brocades and women wrappers. There were participants even from the neighbouring Niger Republic.
Daily Trust further learnt that all the three states had showcased some of their mineral resources.
Hajiya Saratu Abubakar, a producer and marketer, said she was at the Trade fair to exhibit her women beauty products which she made from Shea butter.
Saratu, from Zuru Local Government of Kebbi State, said this was the first time she displayed her goods in this kind of avenue.
She, however, lamented the low turnout of customers, which she attributed to the current economic hardship in the country.
“Initially, we thought the situation would change with the payment of salaries, but the salaries were paid and the patronage was still low.
“But we are still optimistic of getting more customers before the trade fair ends,” she said.
Saratu added that, “This has been our family business. I learnt it from my mother and it is what we depend on for survival.”
She said their major challenge was how to package their goods in line with the internationally accepted standards.
On whether they were getting support from the government, she said processing machines were procured and installed in their community by the government, which is making their work much easier now.
For Asma’u Aliyu who was marketing black tea at the fair, it was a brisk business. “I will only thank God for His blessing.
“People are rushing for our products from within and outside the state. In fact, there were some people who came from Niger Republic and bought it in bulk.
“As I am talking to you now, our product is already at Achida Market, in the Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State and we are not expecting a return of even a single one because of its high demand. Because black tea has a lot of health benefits,” she said.
She, however, regretted how low patronage of local goods was killing small and medium scale businesses in the country.
“This company has been in existence for seven years, but many people were not aware of it.
“It is a local company based in Gusau and our products were made from locally sourced materials and they are certified by all the regulatory bodies.
“But we don’t value our things. We prefer buying foreign things even if they will harm us. So, I advise Nigerians to always patronise their goods. This is the only way we can help our economy to grow and create more jobs for our people,” she advised.
Dr. Idaola Kewulere, a herbalist from Osun State, expressed gratitude to God for the patronage he was getting despite the economic challenges in the country.
However, one of the customers who spoke to our reporter complained of the high cost of things in the fair.
The customer who refused to mention her name said she was at the trade fair to buy soap made from herbs, but its price was “scaring.”
President, Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture of Sokoto State, Alhaji Mua’azu Bello, explained that the first edition of Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara Joint National Trade and Exhibition Fair, 2021, was aimed at repositioning and restructuring non-oil sector as an alternative source of economic development.
“The participating three states are endowed with abundant potential that we can tap and turn around their economic fortunes.
“Each state will showcase its mineral resources at local government levels and because of this, it can establish contact with other states and manufacturers.
“At the end of it, they will engage in interstate trades with each other and they can jointly establish production firms,” he said.
He maintained that reputable companies and organisations have continued to arrive, while others indicated interests and were contacting the chamber for onward registration as participants.
The chambers held a series of meetings and consultations with security agents on how best to forestall any security breaches during the event.
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