The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, has called on relevant stakeholders to promote initiatives that seek to deepen economic development in the country.

The Minister, who was represented by the Director, Investment, Funke Ajayi during a courtesy visit by the Ministerial Committee on EnjoyNigeria Expo 2021 to the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, described the project as a cultural fiesta, tied to investment and economic development.

Adebayo appealed for full endorsement of the expo, and called on his aviation counterpart to give directive on the involvement of its agencies, especially the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and stakeholders for active participation and support.

“We urge you to take a rightful place in the planning and implementation of the project. The aviation sector will enjoy full publicity of the event and post event via radio, television, online and branding platforms,” he said.

Responding , the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika said the ministry was running many projects which included Aerotropolis Policy to boost infrastructure and economy.

Sirika said, “In countries like India, Singapore or Dubai, their airports are surrounded by hotels, recreational centres and tourism industries, that is what we want to create in Nigeria in the four international Airports -: Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Kano.

“As a traveller the first thing that gives you the image of a country is right from the airport. It is a good idea to create synergy between aviation and tourism industry,”.

Hadi, who described the expo as an avenue for mutual benefit added that the ministry would further discuss on ways to buy-into the well articulated project to spur economic activities.

The Convener, EnjoyNigeria Expo 2021, Mr Isa Sago said the expo became necessary in order to close the gap in the creative and entertainment, cultural as well as tourism industry.

Sago said the MSMEs and Entrepreneurs need more exposure through adequate promotion or their products and services.

“Through this platform, they can have access to training, better their businesses, gain support, showcase their products for promotion, market access, networking opportunities and business security, then take it to next level.

“Women and youth are major players with economic significance in this industry, we initiated the project to put into cognisance the importance of its youth and women participation for employment, revenue generation and job expansion,” Sago said.

The Expo, scheduled to hold from December 6 to December 12 is an initiative to develop and promote Nigeria’s creative, entertainment and cultural crafted industry due to growing global admiration and demand for Nigerian products.

It aims at promoting and empowering the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the creative, cultural and travel trade industries in Nigeria.