Strategic Platform for SME Growth

No fewer than 100 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are expected to showcase their products and services at the first major SME trade fair in Edo State. Benin City is preparing to host the "Taste of Edo" on October 1 and 2, 2026, at the Reign Event Center on Sapele Road.

The two-day fair is expected to attract more than 2,000 visitors, providing a vital platform for local businesses to connect with new customers, create jobs, and expand their operations. Convened by Elijah Okpogie, Founder of Vauchly, and hosted by Dr. Angel Emofonmwan, the event is designed to be more than a commercial gathering; it serves as a foundation for the formalization of the state's SME ecosystem.

Collaborative Governance and Infrastructure

The initiative is being supported by the Oredo Local Government Area and the Edo State Government. According to the organizers, the involvement of local government leadership has been a critical factor in ensuring the event's viability and security.

Gabriel Iduseri's commitment to this event has been exceptional. Beyond endorsement, the chairman has provided the resources, security infrastructure, and active support that make this fair viable and secure for vendors and visitors. That level of government backing transforms what could be a one-off event into a foundation for sustainable SME growth in Edo State.

— Elijah Okpogie, Founder, Vauchly

The fair will feature a diverse array of businesses across several sectors, including food and beverages, fashion, technology, artisanal products, real estate, education, health and wellness, entertainment, and automotive services.

Showcasing Edo’s Creative Economy

At the state level, the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy has identified the fair as a significant venue for promoting the state’s commercial potential. Hon. Chris Okaeben emphasized that the fair provides a necessary space for local talent and innovation to thrive.

This fair exemplifies what happens when we create space for our entrepreneurs to thrive. Taste of Edo showcases the talent, innovation, and products that define Edo State's economic potential.

— Hon. Chris Okaeben, Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Edo State Government

The food and beverage segment will highlight local specialty producers, while fashion vendors will display traditional attire and contemporary designs. Additionally, artisans will showcase crafts and textiles that reflect the cultural heritage of the region.

Digital Sustainability and Job Creation

A central feature of the Taste of Edo initiative is its focus on long-term sustainability through digital integration. The fair is powered by Vauchly, a location-based jobs and services marketplace that manages vendor registration and logistics. This partnership ensures that participating businesses do not lose momentum once the physical event concludes.

Under this arrangement, vendors will remain listed on the Vauchly platform, allowing them to continue receiving service requests and customer inquiries across Benin City and beyond. Organizers anticipate that this model will activate more than 100 direct jobs during and after the event.

By combining government legitimacy with digital infrastructure, the organizers aim to create a replicable model for other communities. The collaboration seeks to give SMEs the tools to build sustainable business relationships that extend far beyond a single trade fair.