Zulu King to Open Nigerian Expo in South Africa
By Patrick Ugeh
T he Made-in-Nigeria Exhibi-tion (MINEX) holding at the prestigious Sandton Convention Centre, Johan-nesburg,, South Africa, begins tomorrow with the king of Zululand, his royal Majesty, Goodwill Zwelithini, expected to declare it open. The event is scheduled to close on October 2.
The Zulu monarch will share this honour with the leader of the Federal Government delegation to the fair, according to credible Presidency sources. But it could not be confirmed whether it will be Vice President Atiku Abubakar or the Minister of Commerce, Alhaji Mohammed Waziri.
Be that as it may, a "high powered" Federal Government delegation is expected at the exhibition which, though a private sector initiative by PR Africa International, has recei-ved the full backing of the Federal Government.
It was gathered that the Nigerian Investment promotion commission (NIPC) and the Nigerian Export promotion council (NEPC) were fully involved in the planning of the exhibition.
The Best-of-Nigeria exhibition emanated from a desire "to showcase the many constructive contributions that the country has to offer to Africa, south Africa and the world at large across various sectors of business," says Dapo Adelegan, President/CEO PR Africa international organiser of the exhibi
tion. With the theme, "people, products, potentials," the exhibition aims to raise a constructive awareness for the culture, people, values and the history of Nigeria.
Apart from corporate exhibitors which cut across industry sub-sectors such as MTN, Union bank, NICON insurance, Flour Mills of Nigeria, etc, the Federal Government is also sponsoring 50 small and Medium Enterprises to the exhibition. This is to give them the opportunity for export and seek partnerships that could help in the expansion of their businesses, a development that would create more employment and reduce poverty among Nigerians.
Some big south African companies such as Bidvest, johnnic, Eskom, Reuters, etc are also participating. "I believe curiousity will be a factor for would be investors into the world's 6th largest oil producer and this nation of over 120 million people whose potential remains largely untapped", says Dee Reuvers, President of the Midrand Chamber of Commerce and Industry, south Africa. There will be a gala nite in celebration of Nigeria's Inde-pendence Day on October 1. It will feature the best of Nigerian art, culture, dance and even fashion.
Those seeking further information are advised to visit www.minex2004.com
|
