The Ogun State Government has reiterated its commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and agribusiness players as part of efforts to deepen economic growth and boost the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector of the State.
Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela, stated this at the 2026 World Bee Day Celebration themed: ‘Bee Together to Sustain the Planet’, organised by the Gateway Apicultural Association (GATAPAS) in conjunction with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun State Command, at the FRSC Auditorium, Ibara GRA, Abeokuta.
Represented by the Director of Industrial Promotion in the Ministry, Mr. Olufemi Sofela, highlighted various opportunities available to bee entrepreneurs and agribusiness operators under the Prince Dapo Abiodun’s led administration.
The Commissioner disclosed that the State government had continued to provide capacity-building initiatives, funding support, export opportunities and other interventions aimed at strengthening businesses and encouraging economic development across Ogun State.
“Let me at this juncture, reiterate again that Prince Dapo Abiodun has keen interest in advancing entrepreneurial development and empowerment, since the inception of this administration, having received so many entrepreneurial awards. These various recognitions serve as great motivation to achieve even greater milestones in creating better business policies, products and enabling the environment for MSMEs to thrive,” Sofela said.
He also noted that the ongoing review of the Ogun State Enterprise Development Agency (OGSEDA) Establishment Bill would further transform the MSME landscape and create a more enabling environment for small businesses in the State.
In his welcome address, President, GATAPAS, Prof. Olawumi Akinyode, said bees were critical to human survival as about 75 percent of global food crops rely on pollinators stressing that human beings would cease to exist within four years if bees go into extinction.
The GATAPAS President, who utilised the opportunity to call for protection of bees and preservation of their habitats, also appealed to individuals, organisations and meaningful Nigerians to support the association’s vision of establishing a “GATAPAS Bee Yard” through their donations and other forms of assistance.
On her part, State Co-ordinator, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Madam Olajumoke Abolaji, encouraged bee entrepreneurs to explore export opportunities in the international market assuring stakeholders of the Council’s readiness to provide the necessary guidance and support to help local producers achieve their export ambitions.