Paul Ayo Olugbade, managing director, Atlantic Exhibition, has urged entrepreneurs to engage in networking relationships, extending it to people beyond the shores of the country, in order to increase their chances of attaining prosperity.
“The Lagos Fashion Fair has been successful partly due to the relationship formed with foreign business partners,” he said.
Delivering his address of welcome at the 7th edition of the annual Lagos Fashion Fair hosted by Atlantic Exhibition, Olugbade said he was passionate about promoting the industry, adding that the objective of the fair has remained to create an enabling platform where creative Nigerian designers and fashion entrepreneurs could connect with international designers to showcase the beauty and creativity of both worlds through their designs and innovations
“This year Fashion Fair also looks to celebrate Nigerian entrepreneurs who have mastered the art of fashion by using it to make bold statements and create more value and versatility in their designs and brands,” he said.
He encouraged young entrepreneurs not to rely on government or lament over the current economic condition but to build the economy through their services.
On her part, Iyalode Alaba Lawson, former president of the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), said networking was the bedrock of any economic improvement in any society.
Lawson, who was the chairperson at the event, said interaction among people would encourage progress and provide opportunities.
“When we interact with each other, definitely, we can make progress,” she said.
She advised participants at the exhibition, especially the entrepreneurs, to remain focused on the goal.
She said in an exhibition, people should be ready to learn, for knowledge is power and can be extended to other people. She commended the conveners of the fair, which she said was a platform through which the economy could improve globally.
Kone épouse Maman Toure, Ivory Coast Ambassador to Nigeria, also present at the fair, said quality interaction would encourage unity among countries.
Funmi Ajibade, CEO of Fajib Couture, a participant at the event, said she was delighted to be there. Ajibade said she made vast sales from her ready-to-wear collection and got a prospective international partner who was ready to engage in business partnership with her company.
Gbemi Faminu
