Lagos Auto Expo Slated for October
...NAC to Participate
The second edition of the Lagos Auto Expo is to hold from October 20 to 26 at the Tafawa Balewa Square, says managing director of the organising company, Tropixel Limited, Mr. Ocheche Alabi, during a media conference in Lagos recently.
According to Alabi, "Lagos Autoexpo has come to stay. The dream we have had for an auto show of international standard, within two years is inching towards becoming a tradition. The responses from key sub-sectors in the auto industry have been spectacular and encouraging.
"Most of them have overcome fear and skepticism. Many have realized that Lagos Autoexpo is a place for those who are willing to compete in the automobile market in a fair manner, having realized that the market is growing and can accommodate all".
Alabi solicited the support of the motoring press, thus: "because we see you as our partners, and strategic stakeholders in the motoring sector, this is not just the usual press briefing, and as such your inputs towards the success of this developmental venture is important to us and very crucial".
He stated that the expo presents an opportunity for stakeholders in the various sub-sectors and especially the automobile marketers to come together, identify common interests and protect same for posterity.
He reasoned that the auto marketers are "playing a vital role and their collective interest within the developmental objectives of Nigeria necds to be identified and be tailored towards our overall economic growth".
The event manager added that a workshop is to be organised during the period of the show where issues like standardisation in the auto industry, local auto potentials for West Africa, government policies on the industry among others are to be discussed.
"Most of the auto marketers, motorbike assembly plants, and others are very positive about their participation and we have received registration forms from some, while confirmation from others are being expected in the next two weeks.
"In terms of attendance, this year will be far higher than what we had in 2003 and it is equally going to be more broad based comprising of auto marketing, tyres, lubricants, auto parts, accessories, and maintenance", he said.
Alabi said the federal government is in full support of this year's edition, as President Olusegun Obasanjo has accepted to be the Special Guest of Honour, even as the Lagos state government has been giving moral support.
The National Automotive Council is to feature at the Expo. "Under the roof of the NAC stand at the Lagos Autoexpo, the strides being made in the area of auto components development in Nigeria will be displayed. Equally, the public will be educated and enlightend on the achievements, short and long terrn plans, programmes and vision of NAC. Provision has equally been made to give free spaces to Nigerians who have made inventions and product innovations in the auto sector to showcase such inventions and innovations", Alabi said.
He also stated that "the venue of the event is ready and provision for essential facilities such as security, conveniences, water, communication, power supply, restaurant, childcare center etc., have all been put in place to ensure a hitch free, focused and purposeful exhibition.
"Our plans to provide side attractions separate from those of the exhibitors are still in place. As obtained last year, prizes await visitors to this year's event. There will be a live arena, which will include a dedicated circuit to allow would be buyers of automobile to test-drive the cars and other automobiles they want to buy. Exhibitors and visitors will not only display and see, but will have much to hear and to do".
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