By joshua 
An association of Kogi-based events managers has raised concerns over the low patronage of their business by both captain of industries and government.
The group, identified as Event Vendors opened up on this challenge during a courtesy visit to the Kogi Enterprise Development Agency (KEDA) in Lokoja.
In his address, the president of the group, Mr.Femi Johnson while expressing desire to get patronage
from government and private individuals as event managers, appealed
for local patronages as against bringing event managers from outside the state as such practice does not only discourage Kogi-based businesses but also frustrates the citizens with huge investment in event management and related businesses in the State.
He noted that, local content patronage will enhance the scope of the sector and in turn increase revenue for the State as against huge patronage giving to event vendors outside the state who in turns takes the applicable taxes to other states for remittance.
The group however solicited the intervention of KEDA to encourage government and private individuals patronize their own to boost the economy of the state.
Responding, the Managing Director/CEO Hajia Rekiya Onaivo Sanni assures the group that KEDA’s commitment towards implementing the growth and survival of MSEs in Kogi state.
Hajia Sanni commended the group for their synergy while assuring them that the vision of her boss, His Excellency, Yahaya Bello, the Executive Governor of Kogi State. She expressed that the 3rd thematic focus of the Executive Governor focuses on the growth of SMEs sector, and therefore, promises to deliver on his Excellency’s mandate in enhancing the scope of MSEs in the state.
On her part, she urged the group to imbibe creativity in their business and build networks that can convince prospective clients of their ability, noting that “KEDA’s objective is to enhance MSEs to drive growth while providing opportunity for smaller businesses to thrive.
Yemi Balogun
PRO, KEDA
End.