The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) and the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu will tomorrow, Friday, 18th September 2020, commission the MSMEs Fashion Shared Facility, known as “Eko MSMEs Fashion Hub-1”, at No. 5 Ogunsiji Street, off Alade Market, Allen Avenue, Ikeja in Lagos.
The Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Dr. (Mrs.) Lola Akande, who disclosed this today at a press conference held in Alausa, Ikeja, also said that the 5th edition of the Lagos State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Exclusive Fair with the theme, “MSMEs in the time of COVID-19: Survival Strategies to Beat the Odds”, will hold from 22nd to 27th September, 2020, at the Blue Roof, LTV, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos.
She explained that the MSMEs Fashion Shared Facility is an initiative of the Sanwo-Olu administration designed to promote ‘Made-in-Lagos’ brand through job creation, stressing that the project is also geared towards boosting the IGR of the State, through the expected revenue from the fashion hub.
According to her, Vice President Osinbajo will perform the commissioning of the edifice via zoom teleconference, while the Lagos State Governor would cut the tape at the venue in line with COVID-19 protocols of physical distancing.
She maintained that the current administration has left no stone unturned in the development and continuous growth of the MSME sector in Lagos State, adding that the fashion industry, also regarded as the creative industry in Nigeria, is almost completely driven by MSMEs and is believed to be one of the most promising alternatives to the nation’s dwindling oil fortunes.
In her words: “This Centre, which is the first phase of the shared MSME Fashion facility, has been equipped with state-of-the-art machinery to afford MSMEs in the fashion space the opportunity to utilise the infrastructure for a token, thereby enhancing productivity and apparel quality that can compete favourably with their counterparts around the world”.
Noting that the hub is also for the retail of various types of ready-to-wear clothes and accessories as well as a centre tor capacity building and continuous skilling of those in the fashion industry, Akande noted that the available vibrant pool of local talents in the fashion sector has earned Lagos State the reputation of the ‘Fashion Capital of Africa’.
On the EKO MSME Exclusive Fair, the Commissioner explained that the event will provide access to free stalls for entrepreneurs in the State to showcase their products and improve sales as well as network for new contacts.
“As we are aware that new technologies are springing up faster than we can create and service, innovations are taking place at lightning speed. It is, therefore, imperative that this administration develops, designs and implements services and policies that would benefit MSMEs in the State”, Dr. Akande asserted.
She, however, enjoined all stakeholders in the fashion industry to make maximum use of the facility in order to enjoy its benefits.