The Uyo Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mine and Agriculture, UYOCCIMA, has proposed to build and complete a trade fair village for manufacturers in Akwa Ibom state.
The President, Mr Nseyen Ebong disclosed this during the inaugural meeting on the formation of youths and women wing of UYOCCIMA over the Weekend in Uyo.
Ebong who commended the state government for releasing a percel of land to the organization, said that documentation was on top gear to secure and execute the project by 2021.
He said the trade fair village would avail entrepreneurs the opportunity to increase product sales, market both old and new products, meet and interact with customers and attract local and foreign investors.
Ebong said that the organization had already produced young and talented manufacturers who are constantly breaking new grounds and that there was need to build an environment where their products would be constantly showcased and received good patronage.
Lamenting on how women and youths were used as praise singers to politicians at political rallies, he said the UYOCCIMA was out to change the narrative as they hope to register one thousand five hundred new businesses before 2021 and also create over two million jobs before 2025.
Ebong said the anticipated businesses would be targeted at women and youths to turn them into drivers of industries and change the state from civil service oriented domain to industrialized society.
He said the organization had set aside programmes and financial packages which would encourage young entrepreneurs, adding the trade missions to other countries would enable them showcase their products to the world.
“We want to changed the narrative of our women and youths being used as praise singers to politicians at political rallies without any gain at the end of the day, as we hope to register one thousand five hundred new businesses before 2021 and also create over two million direct and indirect jobs before 2025.
“As an organise private sector, we hope to diversify to businesses so that jobs can be created for the people, especially youths and women.
“We have mentorship programmes to encourage, advice and help the young entrepreneurs attain better height. We also have financial support to advance individual businesses.
Speaking on the expertise of the members, he said the chamber ” parades a repertoire of experienced and capable hands who are set to ensure that the indigenes of the State benefit economically from various training programmes through training and seminars that will be organised regularly at a minimal fee or free.
Ebong, who described the group as the voice of an organised private sector committed to changing the economic status of the state, said that it is ready to partner with the state government to create wealth and boost economic activities.
However, he urged youths and women in the state to register and join the group to enjoy enormous benefits accruing for members of the organization.