The maiden edition of the Winnipeg Naija Trade Fair which recently held in Canada has reportedly exposed over 100 businesses and their respective offerings to the global market.
Winnipeg Naija Trade Fair
The Trade fair, organised by the Canada Naija-Business Hub and Nigerians in Winnipeg, was aimed at celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria including food, music, fashion, art and entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerians and the cultural heritage of Africans in Canada while providing an exciting opportunity to empower SMEs, especially those owned by Nigerians and Africans in Canada.
What Officials Said
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-term Care of Manitoba, Uzoma Asagwara sang praises of the diversity of Nigerian cultures stating that they were all unique and beautiful.
Asagwara said, “Nigerian culture is so beautiful and diverse. I look forward to having more of this gathering in Winnipeg.”
In her speech, the founder of Canada Naija-Business Hub and BrandParlour Communications Inc., Tolulope Adebayo, noted that the success of the tradefare was a proof that the Nigerian community was also strengthening its bond with local businesses adding that over a hundred businesses have benefited from the event.
She said, “The Winnipeg Naija Tradefair, is more than just a marketplace, it is an opportunity to connect with the rich heritage of Nigeria and discover talented local businesses in Canada. It brings over 100 businesses from Nigeria and African Communities together to showcase their products and services.
“The success of the Winnipeg Naija Trade Fair is a testament to the collaboration between the Nigerian community and local businesses. We are incredibly grateful for the support we have received from established brands in Winnipeg. Their participation has not only bolstered the event but also fostered important connections between the Nigerian community and the broader Winnipeg business landscape.”
On her part, founder of Nigerians in Winnipeg, Olubunmi Agbaje, also expressed words of appreciation to all who contributed to the success of the event including participants, consumers, the planning committee, government representatives, community leaders, vendors, partners and volunteers while the Acting Deputy Mayor and City Councilor for St. Norbert-Seine River, Markus Chambers, also congratulated the Nigerians in Winnipeg and encouraged them to keep organising more networking events.
Over 70,000 people of Nigerian descent live, work and study in Canada according to the Immigration Advisory Service.
TradeFairs are often organized to showcase businesses, especially small and medium scale businesses, SMEs, to a wider market community with the goal of achieving wider recognition, increased sales and new business connection with potential customers and other businessmen and women.
In Nigeria, trade fairs have helped startups gain attention to their brand and its offerings, enabling them to achieve set goals.
Testimonial by FroNet, benficiary of similar trade fair in Nigeria
Earlier in May this year, the Lacrujie NTE fest organized a trade fair at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife in Osun State, Nigeria, showcasing various small-scale businesses and start-ups to the university community in Ile-Ife and its residents.
Amongst the many startups that participated at the 2-day event was FroNet, a wireless broadband internet service designed for students living in hostels.
According to the founder, Remy Ajenifuja, the trade fair was instrumental in creating awareness for the brand and attracting more customers.
