The 2026 Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre (Ibom-LED) Trade Festival has commenced in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, with stakeholders highlighting entrepreneurship, market access and enterprise development as key drivers of economic growth and wealth creation.
The four-day event, held at the Ibom-LED Centre, brought together entrepreneurs, manufacturers, artisans, creatives, investors, corporate buyers and consumers on a platform aimed at promoting networking, collaboration, business expansion and investment opportunities.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Technical Adviser to the Vice President on Women, Youth Engagement and Impact, Mrs Hauwa Liman, said more women were increasingly embracing entrepreneurship but many continued to face challenges including access to funding, capacity development and strategic business networks.
Liman noted that several products displayed at the festival demonstrated the quality and potential to compete in national and international markets.
She encouraged participants to take advantage of the platform to improve visibility, build partnerships, access training opportunities and expand their businesses.
The Team Lead of Ibom-LED, ImoAbasi Jacob, said the initiative reflected Governor Umo Eno’s vision of positioning Akwa Ibom as a preferred destination for investment and enterprise development.
Jacob added that the state government had continued to create opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs to establish businesses in the state and contribute to economic growth.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Offiong Offor, commended the organisers for creating an avenue that supports enterprise development and encourages entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses.
She stressed that capacity-building programmes such as the trade festival were important in strengthening entrepreneurs across different sectors, including agriculture.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Entrepreneurship Development, Mrs Meflyn Anwana, highlighted the state’s support for small businesses through training programmes, loan schemes, equipment support initiatives and other interventions aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and wealth creation.
The festival is expected to feature exhibitions, business networking sessions, enterprise development training and investment-focused engagements designed to improve market access, promote entrepreneurship and support sustainable economic growth in Akwa Ibom State.
