In preparation for the forthcoming 41st Annual General Meeting of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Bayelsa chapter, the Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment in Bayelsa State, Dr. Ebieri Jones, has charged manufacturers to exhibit made in Bayelsa products.
Jones noted that showcasing products made in the state would drive industry growth and enhance development.
The commissioner called on manufacturers to focus on specialized, value-driven production, emphasizing that building expertise in a niche area can lead to market dominance.
He made this call during an all-inclusive meeting with manufacturers in the state, organized in collaboration with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Rivers/Bayelsa chapter, at the Ministry’s Conference Hall, Secretariat Annex 4, Yenagoa.
Jones highlighted the Bayelsa State Government’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment.
He urged manufacturers to leverage state support for growth even as he reiterated that the administration’s goal to transition Bayelsa into a private sector-powered economy by 2026, assuring continued collaboration and partnership with the manufacturing sector.
In his remarks, Chairman of MAN Rivers/Bayelsa Chapter, Elder Vincent Okuku, expressed gratitude to the government for convening the meeting and encouraged manufacturers to grow their businesses, irrespective of current size, stressing that “starting small is better than not starting at all.”
Okuku announced that the 41st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of MAN will be held in Bayelsa State, inviting all manufacturers to participate and showcase Made-in-Bayelsa products.
He also urged members to engage actively in MAN’s activities, noting that such participation would promote networking, innovation, and collective advancement.
Also speaking, Dr. Azebi Toyin, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment, commended the high turnout and encouraged all present to take manufacturing seriously.
She emphasized that their contributions were key to shifting Bayelsa’s identity from a consumer state to a producing state.
