REGIONAL and local authorities are extensions of the central government, and are expected to spearhead the creation of a conducive environment for socio-economic development at their level, presidential affairs minister Martin Andjaba said yesterday.
Andjaba made the remarks when he officially opened the second edition of the Oshipe annual trade fair at Oshikuku in the Omusati region.
He said regional and local governments should spearhead socio-economic development, in collaboration with various stakeholders, including the business community.
Events such as the Oshipe fair are critical as they provide an opportunity for towns to market and showcase the developmental and investment opportunities they have, he added.
“These platforms also provide small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and investors at different levels with the necessary exposure that would allow them to identify the economic potential of the towns and prospective areas of investment,” stated Andjaba. It is thus at platforms such as Oshipe where new business ventures are created and business operations are diversified, thereby creating more employment opportunities, especially for the youth.
“The more job opportunities being created at regional and local level, the less migration of our youth to urban centres, where they in some cases end up braving hostile conditions in search of a better life,” Andjaba continued. The fair also provides people with the opportunity to showcase their culture, traditions and values as part of their identity.
The Oshikuku Town Council’s public relations officer, John Siloiso told the media on the sidelines of the event that 73 exhibitors, including companies, SMEs, kapana vendors, government institutions and farmers, are participating in the fair.
The 2019 Oshipe annual trade fair started on Monday, and ends on Saturday. – Nampa
