REMARKS BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND CULTURE, ALH. LAI MOHAMMED, AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE EXHIBITION OF MADE-IN-NIGERIA PRODUCTS AND LIVE PERFORMANCE OF CULTURAL TROUPES AS PART OF ACTIVITIES TO MARK NIGERIA @ 60, HELD AT THE EAGLE SQUARE ON SATURDAY, 19TH JUNE, 2021.
PROTOCOL
​I am very pleased to make this few remarks as we prepare to draw the curtain on the Exhibition of Made-in-Nigeria Products and be treated to cultural display by dance troupes from the six geo-political zones of the country, as part of activities marking the celebration of Nigeria @ 60.
2.​These past five days have been very rewarding as the Inter- Ministerial Ownership Sub-Committee of the Nigeria @ 60 Project, in line with the Public Private Partnership (PPP) drive of the Federal Government, has been able to collaborate with the private sector to promote local content in our production activities as a nation.
3.​We have also been able to showcase our rich cultural heritage, projecting the tourism potentials of the country and those cultural factors that have over timed united us as a people, despite our diversity. The event has also featured various paper presentations on key issues that affect Made-in-Nigeria products in the areas of production, branding and financing. Other areas looked at in the presentations include agriculture, small and medium scale enterprises development and challenges, infrastructural development for regional integration, Nigeria’s economy beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, women in economic development as well as commerce and industry, amongst others.
4.​Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, the products exhibited here in the past five days are 100% Made-in-Nigeria and by our micro, small and Medium Scale enterprises. They depict the ingenuity and industry of our indigenous entrepreneurs. It is as a result of this ingenuity that the Buhari administration has continued to work stridently to diversify the economy as well as encourage and boost SME activities in the country as a driver of the economy.
5.​Let me therefore, at this juncture, thank the Inter-Ministerial Ownership Sub-Committee for organizing the Exhibition. I am quite happy with the organization, quality of topics delivered in these five days and the overall commitment shown by all to the success of the event.
6. ​The Exhibition is just one out of the many activities lined up to celebrate the one year long 60th independence anniversary of the country. Other events scheduled to feature as part of activities for the celebration include: Essay competition for the Nigerian Youths; Exhibition of Nigerian cuisines; a Photo Exhibition telling the story of 60 years of our togetherness as a nation and a special Nigeria @ 60 awards to notable Nigerians, amongst other events. I urge us all to find time to be part of these events, celebrating this great country Nigeria.
7.​On this note, I wish to thank you all for honouring us with your presence and to specially thank Business Visa and Training Co. Ltd for collaborating with the Inter-Ministerial Ownership Sub-Committee on Nigeria @ 60 on the Made-in-Nigeria Exhibition.
8.​Permit me therefore, at this point, to say that the Exhibition of Made-in-Nigeria products is officially coming to an end today. Other lined-up activities will follow and run till September 2021.
9.​Thank you and God bless Nigeria.
