Business

Mixed reactions trail 37th Enugu International Trade Fair performance

Published

1 week ago

April 1, 2026

Preport

Marvico Foods stand at the 37th Enugu International Trade Fair 1.jpg

A cross-section of participants at the 37th Enugu International Trade Fair have expressed mixed reactions over patronage and visitation to the fair.

While some participants complained about the low turnout of exhibitors and visitors, others commended the “sterling performance” of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture.

They attributed the low turnout and patronage to the dwindling economy occasioned by the recent fuel hike.

Other participants who thumbed up the fair’s performance noted that it demonstrated the resilience of Nigerian businesses, notwithstanding economic downturns.

One of the participants, Caleb Ezenwa, who works with the cosmetics arm of the Ekulu Group of Companies, said he was happy to be at the fair but lamented that patronage was still low this year compared to previous years.

Another participant, Friday Olabisi, who deals in textiles, noted that the fair was well-organised but could be improved with wider publicity.

Mr Olabisi urged the fair’s management to invest more in advertising through radio jingles, television, and newspapers to build a strong audience and attract more participants to the next trade fair.

A shopper, Uchechukwu Ikegwuonwu, said she was at the fair to buy goods and that buying there was less stressful than in the open market.

Mrs Ikegwuonwu applauded the chamber for creating a conducive environment for shoppers, especially with the newly built, fully air-conditioned 3000-square-metre tent.

On his part, Solomon Ani said he came to the fair to see some innovations and ideas, as well as to interact with manufacturers, which he did.

A dealer in body spray and perfume, John Udekwe, said that although the turnout at the fair was initially not encouraging, his company still managed to make modest sales.

Responding, the Director-General of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Uche Mba, attributed the fair’s moderate attendance of exhibitors and visitors to the current socioeconomic situation.

Mr Mba said that some companies that earlier declared their intention to participate in the fair withdrew due to the current high cost of petroleum products nationwide.

The director-general, however, said this year’s fair was an improvement over last year’s despite the socioeconomic challenges.

He noted that there were new offerings, including free business-class for youths and start-ups, a daily lottery, and free transportation, which helped increase participation and made them more active at the fair.

He enumerated some of the challenges faced at the fair, including power outages and the high cost of diesel for the generators at the fairground.

The fair, with the theme “Empowering Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises for Global Competitiveness,” kicked off on 21 March and was meant to last for 10 days.

However, it was extended by two days, bringing its closure to 1 April after organisers granted the request of most exhibitors, who appealed for more days to make more sales ahead of the Easter festivity.

(NAN)

Related Topics:Enugu International Trade Fair performance Trade Fair

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EFCC Arrests Football Agent for Alleged N11m Fraud

Published

16 minutes ago

April 8, 2026

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Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested one Osagie Destiny Etinosa for alleged N11 million fraud.

The suspect, who was arrested through an open source intelligence, had been parading himself on Instagram account @ officialking _ etto. as a football agent who specialises in linking footballers with foreign clubs for trials and recruitment.

In one instant case, Etinosa allegedly collected the sum of N11,000,000 from one Samuel Beke Ohazuruike with the promise of securing trials for him in Romanian and Bulgarian clubs which never materialised. Efforts by the victim to recover his money proved abortive.

The suspect will soon be arraigned in court.

The post EFCC Arrests Football Agent for Alleged N11m Fraud appeared first on Business Today NG.

Business

Coronation Insurance Redefines Motor Insurance in Nigeria with Launch of MotorMax

Published

8 hours ago

April 8, 2026

Preport

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Coronation Insurance Plc has announced the launch of MotorMax, an innovative motor insurance policy designed to transform the Nigerian motor insurance landscape by moving motorists beyond basic third-party compliance to affordable, comprehensive vehicle protection.

For decades, motor insurance adoption in Nigeria has largely been limited to mandatory third-party coverage. MotorMaxaddresses this gap by offering motorists robust, accessible protection for their own vehicles, with plans starting from as low as ₦25,000.

MotorMax introduces a flexible, tiered structure—Bronze, Silver, and Gold—tailored to meet the diverse needs and budgets of Nigerian drivers, from urban commuters to long-distance travellers and owners of high-value vehicles.

The MotorMax Bronze plan serves as an entry-level upgrade from basic third-party insurance. Priced at ₦25,000 annually, it offers vehicle repair coverage of up to ₦500,000; third-party vehicle damage coverage of up to ₦3,000,000; unlimited (but reasonable) compensation for third-party injury or death; towing services up to ₦5,000; emergency medical expense coverage up to ₦10,000; and a 10% policy excess.

The MotorMax Silver plan, available at ₦45,000 annually, enhances protection with vehicle repair coverage up to ₦750,000, increased towing benefits of up to ₦15,000 (intra-state) and ₦25,000 (inter-state), and emergency medical coverage up to ₦15,000.

At the premium tier, MotorMax Gold offers motorists near-comprehensive benefits at a significantly lower cost than traditional comprehensive insurance. Priced at ₦50,000 annually, it includes vehicle repair coverage up to ₦1,000,000; third-party vehicle damage coverage up to ₦3,000,000; unlimited liability for third-party injury or death; towing services up to ₦15,000 (intra-state) and ₦25,000 (inter-state); emergency medical coverage up to ₦20,000; and a 10% policy excess.

MotorMax is specifically designed for motorists currently on third-party policies who seek enhanced protection without the financial burden of full comprehensive insurance. By bridging the gap between compliance and comprehensive cover, the product empowers drivers with greater peace of mind on every journey.

Speaking on the launch, Olamide Olajolo, MD/CEO of Coronation Insurance Plc, said:

“MotorMax represents our commitment to reimagining insurance for the everyday Nigerian. We understand that many motorists want more protection than third-party cover but are constrained by cost. With MotorMax, we are providing a practical, affordable solution that delivers meaningful coverage and peace of mind. This is a significant step in deepening insurance penetration and ensuring more Nigerians are truly protected on the road.”

The launch of MotorMax underscores Coronation Group’s broader mission to deliver transformational solutions that address real-life challenges across Africa. By raising the standard for motor insurance offerings, Coronation Insurance continues to position itself as a customer-focused innovator in the industry.

Motorists can purchase MotorMax by emailing digitalsales@coronationinsurance.com.ng or calling 02-012275475 or 02-012275476.

The post Coronation Insurance Redefines Motor Insurance in Nigeria with Launch of MotorMax appeared first on Business Today NG.