Edo State is intensifying efforts to position tourism as a catalyst for MSME growth, job creation and cultural renewal, with the Commissioner for Business, Trade and Investment, Hon. Omoh Anabor, leading the charge at the Edo Tourism Products Fair held in Benin City.
Anabor said the initiative aligns with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda, especially its focus on enterprise development, innovation and community prosperity. He described the fair as a strategic marketplace where local producers, artisans and creatives can connect with consumers, investors and partners, thereby expanding Edo’s economic footprint. He noted that tourism is not merely for leisure but a robust economic ecosystem capable of supporting thousands of MSMEs across crafts, textiles, hospitality, digital content creation, logistics, food processing and cultural products.
According to him, every artisan and producer at the fair represents a job, a skill, and a contribution to Edo’s economic transformation. He commended the Edo State Tourism Agency for providing a free platform that promotes visibility, market access and growth for local enterprises. Anabor also welcomed the deepening collaboration with the National Museum, describing it as a crucial bridge between Edo’s historical heritage and its modern creative economy.
The Director-General of the Edo State Tourism Agency, Vivian O. Elabor, said the global Edo diaspora remains a vast and underutilized market for the state’s tourism and cultural products. She observed that diaspora communities are eager to reconnect with their roots, creating opportunities for Edo artisans, SMEs and cultural entrepreneurs to scale beyond local markets.
Adding to this, the Director-General of the Edo State Diaspora Agency, Dr. Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Okor, emphasized that Edo people abroad represent a significant market for tourism, culture, and creative enterprises. She called on stakeholders to design programs and products that can engage the diaspora community, noting that their participation can strengthen Edo’s economic and cultural footprint globally.
The Special Assistant on Tourism, Munirat Antoinette Lecky, encouraged young people to move beyond using their mobile phones solely for Facebook and TikTok, urging them to tap into the global digital economy through content creation, product showcasing and online storytelling. She emphasized that the market for creative digital products is enormous and that Edo youths can earn significantly if they position themselves properly.
The Curator of the Benin Museum, Pastor Mark Olaiya, led guests on a guided tour of the historic facility. He appealed for freewill donations and long-term partnerships to support the preservation of Edo’s cultural treasures, noting that such heritage must be safeguarded for generations yet unborn.
Speakers at the fair called on residents, visitors and investors to support local enterprises and embrace the cultural and economic opportunities within Edo’s creative landscape. Anabor reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the tourism value chain, improving product branding, and expanding platforms that help Edo people thrive.
“This is Edo’s moment,” he declared. “With the right partnerships and the right platforms, our people will shine — and the world will see it.”
