The Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Akure office in partnership with SITA on Thursday, 26th January, 2023 engaged key stakeholders most especially in the non oil exports to explore opportunities in digital marketing solutions for Ondo SME exporters.
Some of the selected SMEs will later be engaged for advanced solutions across a variety of finished products ranging from fashion, cosmetics, beverages, spices and food flours to demonstrate the power of e-commerce both for the local and international market.
Speaking on the theme: “EXPORT FOR SURVIVAL: OPTIMIZING NON OIL EXPORTS MARKET ACCESS OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY”, the Head, NEPC Akure, Arch. Ben Itegbe said NEPC is running training on powerful and free market research tools developed by international trade centre, a UN affiliate to support trade and development in emerging economies.
He urged non oil exporters to embrace NEPC Digital Platforms in order to make their brands more visible, noting that Export is a driving Sustainable and developmental industry in the state.
Arch. Itegbe who said SMEs should not be left behind, further noted that the digital platforms provides the opportunity to interact and leverage on available opportunities.
According to him, the forum will serve as a roundtable to set agenda for Ondo export-oriented industrialization for 2023 by bridging efforts of Stakeholders for optimized allocation of resources.
While also assuring that NEPC will continue to work to empower SMEs, Arch. Itegbe used the occasion to note that Ondo State has vast potential to promote agro industrial growth of Nigeria.
He therefore tasked the participants to take advantage of the upcoming training by NEPC and become an icon of excellence.
He urged participants to visit Google trends to boost their market research as well.
The representative of the Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Pastor Akin Olotu, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Agric and Agribusiness while applauding the efforts of oil Palm investors along Ore area which he said has greatly reduced crime rate and boosted domestic responsibility in individual homes, called on the populace to seek information about viable non oil exports.
Also speaking, the guest lecturer, Dr. Bamidele Ayemibo in his virtual delivery took time to explore opportunities in specific products such as Rubber, cocoa, timber and cassava for interested SMEs just as he restated the need to go into partnership to make the business thrive saying it will go a long way in creating job opportunities for the teeming youths.
He highlighted ways the government can support SMEs to overcome general poverty in the state through viable export oriented business.
The Representatives from Zenith Bank and NAFDAC in their separate remarks also spoke on windows of opportunities that SMEs can benefit from.
In his goodwill message, the CEO, Denki Wires and Cable Nig. Ltd, Engr. Emmanuel Adewumi decried the under utilization of all the series of incentives provided by NEPC especially by government agencies restating the need for government to enforce co – participation for the overall growth of the state.
He also stressed the need for collaboration between government and all parties concerned.
Other highlights of the day’s event include presentations by Akintunde Ojo from CBN who also restated the need to repatriate dollars back to Nigeria through deliberate steps.
In attendance also at the event include a Director at SITA, Mrs. O..Ayetan, stakeholders in non- oil export, members of NASSI, Ondo State Exporters Cluster, MAN, ODSCCIMA,NAWORG OSACA and representatives fr First Bank and Zenith Banks
Ngozi Aduloju
January 28, 2023