More than 100 businesses are expected to take part in the Taste of Edo Trade Fair in Benin City on October 1 and 2, showcasing local food, fashion, crafts and enterprise as part of Nigeria’s Independence celebrations.

The two-day event, to be held at Reign Arcade/Games Gallery and Event Centre on Sapele Road, is expected to attract more than 2,000 visitors and allow local businesses to reach new customers.

The fair is organised by Vauchly, a Nigerian location-based jobs and services marketplace, in collaboration with Oredo Local Government Area and the Edo State Government.

Organisers say the event will bring together food vendors, agro-processors, fashion designers, artisans, beverage producers, tourism operators and other businesses, with a focus on Edo’s culinary heritage, creative industries and locally made products.

Activities will include live cooking competitions, food-tasting pavilions featuring traditional Edo dishes such as black soup, exhibitions of agricultural produce, culinary masterclasses, cultural music and dance performances, and business clinics for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Local restaurants and speciality food producers will feature in the food and beverage section, while fashion businesses will showcase traditional attire, designer wear and contemporary Edo-inspired fashion.

Artisans will also exhibit crafts, textiles and household products, while technology companies, software developers, digital service providers and other innovation-driven businesses are expected to participate.

Organisers say the fair is intended to strengthen links between local businesses and consumers while providing small enterprises with greater visibility beyond the two-day event.

The event comes as the Edo State Government seeks to expand tourism and the creative economy as part of efforts to diversify the state’s economy.

Edo State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Chris Okaeben, said the fair would provide a platform to highlight the state’s cultural and commercial potential.

“This fair exemplifies what happens when we create space for our entrepreneurs to thrive. Taste of Edo showcases the talent, culture, innovation and products that define Edo State’s cultural and economic potential,” he said.

Elijah Okpogie, founder of Vauchly, said Oredo Local Government had provided logistical, security and other support for the event.
“The commitment of Oredo Local Government to this event has been exceptional,” he said.

Okpogie added that the fair would place particular emphasis on local content, youth participation and women-led enterprises.
Prizes will be awarded in categories including best indigenous cuisine, best packaged food product and most innovative food enterprise.