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We at PREX Global Network(PGN)(*) secretariat were delighted to recently hear from Mr. Henry Ifeanyi Anwansedo, an alumnus of the 2019 JICA Knowledge Co-creation Program: Financial Access for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Promotion. It was a great pleasure for us to reconnect with him and to learn about the meaningful initiative he has been steadily working in the field of SME development since returning from the Japan training program.

In his message, Henry shared that he is currently working together with Ms. Une Regina Bamaiyi, who also participated in the same JICA program, to organize the EKO International Trade Expo, which is planned to be held this September in Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria.

Their collaboration reflects the strong professional ties they built during the Japan training program and their shared commitment to supporting SME development in their country.

 

The Expo is being planned as a dynamic platform with the following objectives:

• Promoting market access for SMEs by connecting them with local and international buyers.
• Enhancing SME visibility and competitiveness through product showcases and branding opportunities.
• Facilitating business linkages, partnerships, and investment opportunities.
• Supporting inclusive economic growth by strengthening SME participation in trade and innovation.
• Providing capacity-building opportunities through seminars, workshops, and networking sessions.

At the time of the Japan training, Mr. Henry Ifeanyi Anwansedo, as affiliated with the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Nigeria, while Ms. Une Regina Bamaiyi was working at the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria.

 

And now Henry Ifeanyi Anwansedo is working as CEO ofMomentum Trading Enterprises (MTE), and the organizer of Eko International Trade Expo.

Since completing the program, both have continuously dedicated themselves to the field of SME development, applying the knowledge, perspectives, and networks gained through international cooperation. Their ongoing efforts are now coming together in the planning of this ambitious Expo.

They are currently inviting enterprises to participate in the Expo and are working toward creating a valuable opportunity for businesses to expand their reach and connections.

We are truly encouraged by Mr. Henry Ifeanyi Anwansedo and Ms. Une Regina Bamaiyi’s sustained commitment and vision. PREX sincerely hopes that the EKO International Trade Expo will be successfully realized and will make a meaningful contribution to the growth and vitality of SMEs in Nigeria.

*PGN=PREX Global Network
This network is established to maintain good relations between PREX and ex-participants in the Japan training. This network was known as Alumni before. To expand and strengthen the network across all countries, PREX changed the name of Alumni into PREX Global Network, PGN for short, and decided to include all training participants who registered with this network.