Abeokuta will host more than 100 micro and small business owners as the 2025 Deemakay Business Exhibition (Season 7) takes place from December 6 to 7 at the MKO Sports Arena, Abula Courts, opposite NUT House.
The annual event, regarded as the largest business exhibition in Ogun State, will bring together entrepreneurs, innovators and industry players for a two-day showcase of products, services and business opportunities.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, the Chief Executive Officer of Deemakay World, Adedamola Makanjuola, said the exhibition was designed to strengthen Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the state and help them compete better with businesses in major commercial hubs across the country.
Makanjuola noted that the informal sector continues to play an important role in job creation and income generation in emerging economies like Nigeria.
She, however, expressed concern that MSMEs still struggle with challenges such as unstable market prices, weak economic policies, limited access to finance and poor infrastructure.
She explained that many small business owners cannot secure loans due to lack of collateral and poor credit history, while the few available loans come with high interest rates that hinder growth.
According to her, unreliable power supply, bad road networks and multiple taxes imposed by different levels of government further increase the burden on entrepreneurs.
Makanjuola added that small businesses also face difficulties in recruiting skilled workers, adopting modern technology and managing their operations effectively.
“Many entrepreneurs lack essential management skills like proper record-keeping, planning and quality control,” she said.
Despite these challenges, she emphasised that the informal sector remains a vital source of employment and economic stability for many Nigerians.
The CEO said Season 7 of the exhibition will serve as a meeting point for vendors, government agencies and industry experts. This year’s edition will also feature a mentorship fireside conversation to help entrepreneurs build stronger and more sustainable businesses.
She announced that the Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, will be the guest speaker.
Makanjuola said the commissioner’s participation aligns with the vision of the exhibition and will help link small businesses to more opportunities within the state.
She expressed optimism that the exhibition will support the growth of local enterprises and contribute to increasing the state’s internally generated revenue.
Also speaking, the CEO of Elite Imperial Global Limited, Akindele John Ayomide, assured that security arrangements for the event are solid. He said organisers are working with the police, army, civil defence corps and trained local security personnel to maintain a safe environment.
“Security has never been a major concern for us over the years,” he said.
