By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA) has solicited the support of security agencies towards ensuring adequate security during its forthcoming 43rd edition of Kaduna International Trade Fair scheduled to hold from Feb. 25th to March 6th.
The Security committee of the trade fair, led by its Chairman, Col. Jibril Hassan (rtd), made the disclosure during their visit to the Police Command in the state and the Department of State Service (DSS),
soliciting their support as part of preparations for the fair.
Other security agencies visited are the Kaduna State Vigilante Service (KADVIS) and the Kaduna State Traffic Law Enforcement Authority (KASTLEA), for the security support apparently due to increased wave of Bandits and kidnapping in the state.
Hassan noted during the visits that security was everybody’s business, adding however, that KADCCIMA needed the support of agencies charged with the responsibility of providing security for a hitch-free trade fair.
He said that the Fair has as its theme, “Re-Strategising Nigeria’s Economy for Global Competitiveness”.
“We are expecting a huge number of people from within and outside the country, as such, we need the continued support of security agencies to provide the needed security.
“We, therefore, advise people to be responsible and orderly during the event, and whoever tries any mischief at the trade fair complex is just digging his grave,” he said.
The chairman said that the event, which would last for 10 days, would include the official opening ceremony on Feb. 26, followed by a trade fair seminar scheduled for Feb. 28.
Other activities are quiz competition for secondary school students from the 19 northern states, to be held on March 1, and a business roundtable on blue economy, on March 2.
He added that the farewell lunch for participants would be held on March 5, while the closing ceremony would be on March 6.
“Our visit to all security agencies is to thank you for all the support you have given to us, and to provide you with an update on the state of preparedness for the fair.
“But more importantly, we are here to solicit for your continued support for the trade fair to be a success,” he said.
Responding, the Commissioner of Police, Mudassiru Abdullahi, assured the committee of the needed support, adding that an operational plan had already been developed.
Also, the Director DSS, Malam Shinkafi Aminu, commended KADCCIMA for organising the annual event to boost the economy of the State and create job opportunities.
Represented by the Assistant Director, Administration, Mr Olusegun Olayiwole, the director reiterated the continued support of DSS towards ensuring the success of the event.
Similarly, Brig.-Gen. Umar Ibrahim (rtd), Commander, KADVIS and the Corps Marshal and Chief Executive Officer, KASTLEA, Maj. Garba Rimi (rtd), all assured KADCCIMA of their support to provide the needed security.
Rimi, however, expressed concern that activities at the trade fair complex always ceased after the annual event, making the venue to look like ‘graveyard’.
He therefore advised KADCCIMA to come up with an initiative that would keep the complex busy throughout the year.
“That way, you can make more money; the state government would generate more revenue; the youths will be employed, and it will be a win-win for everybody,” he said.
The chairman of the security committee, Hassan, thanked Rimi for the advice, adding that plans were already on ground to keep the complex busy all year round, beginning this from 2022.
