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Mixed reactions trail 37th Enugu International Trade Fair performance

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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)

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PenCom DG Advocates Inclusivity in Social Protection Services

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BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has reiterated the importance of effective communication in strengthening social security systems, as its Director General, Omolola Oloworaran, participated in the 2026 ISSA West Africa Technical Seminar held in Abuja.

The seminar, hosted by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund in collaboration with the International Social Security Association, focused on the theme: improving inclusivity and access to social security services through clear and effective communication. It brought together stakeholders from across West Africa to explore ways of enhancing service delivery and public engagement.

Speaking at the event, Oloworaran commended the organisers for convening the dialogue and highlighted the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to expand social protection. She noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown commitment to social welfare by supporting vulnerable citizens through initiatives such as cash transfers, improved healthcare access, and the settlement of outstanding pension obligations.

The PenCom DG explained that while the Contributory Pension Scheme has built a solid institutional framework over the years, achieving real inclusion requires more than just expanding coverage. According to her, trust and understanding among contributors are critical, which is why the commission continues to strengthen stakeholder engagement, promote the Personal Pension Plan, and expand digital communication channels.

She emphasised that communication plays a central role in the success of pension reforms and service delivery, noting that policies and benefits can only be effective when contributors clearly understand and are able to act on them.

The engagement, she added, reflects PenCom’s broader commitment to building a more transparent, inclusive, and responsive pension system, where clear communication helps bridge gaps in access, foster trust, and support long-term growth in the sector.

The post PenCom DG Advocates Inclusivity in Social Protection Services appeared first on Business Today NG.

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NCC Moves to Roll Out Affordable Smartphones in Nigeria

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MATINS IBE(Abuja) —The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has announced the Commission’s intention to make low-cost smartphones available in the market.

He explained that the initiative is designed to ensure wider access to mobile devices for Nigerians at more affordable rates.

He made this known recently during a media briefing with journalists in Abuja, stating, “We are exploring ways to bring less expensive smartphones into circulation.”

He also noted that despite the push for affordability, there is a clear shift in usage trends, with more people adopting 4G technology while gradually moving away from 3G and 2G devices.

“From available data, we are observing a steady transition to 4G connectivity. Currently, over 52 percent of users are on 4G networks,” he added.

He also  commended media coverage of the telecommunications sector, describing it as instrumental in supporting the Commission’s work.

According to him, press reporting has helped in policy execution, keeping the public informed about developments, and ensuring regulatory accountability.

The post NCC Moves to Roll Out Affordable Smartphones in Nigeria appeared first on Business Today NG.

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