The Cross River government has initiated an e-commerce platform called “Your Market Friend” where groceries and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) could be ordered.
Unveiling the e-commerce platform on Friday in Calabar, the state Commissioner for Commerce, Mrs Rosemary Archibong, said that the innovation became necessary following the challenge of COVID-19 facing the world at present.
Archibong said the initiative would avail residents of Cross River the opportunity to order for commodities online with timely delivery, thereby avoiding the health risks inherent in the usually busy and crowded markets in the state.
She said: “Your Market Friend’’ would commence operation with the delivery of high quality foodstuffs, face shields, masks and other personal protective items produced by the state’s garment factory.
“We hope to grow the brand into a more robust merchandise for the sales of sundry goods and services.
“In a bid to foster adaptability to the ‘new normal’ as occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, the state Ministry of Commerce has launched ‘Your Market Friend,’ an e-Commerce platform
“This innovation was made possible through the instrumentality of Gov. Ben Ayade, who, at the creation of the Ministry of Commerce in 2019, also created the Department of e-commerce.
“We are collaborating with a lot of stakeholders, notably, the Market Traders Association of Nigeria, to make ‘Your Market Friend’ a one-stop shop for quality goods and optimal service delivery.”
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr Gabriel Umoden, expressed happiness at the initiative, adding that he was ready to partner with the Ministry of Commerce in propelling such a laudable project to greater heights.
Umoden, who is the Executive Chairman of Bansara Rice Limited, used the opportunity to enlighten participants on packaging, branding and production of local agricultural products to gain commercial value and meet international standards.
According to him, such upgrade will better the lot of Cross River’s local farmers.
He called on other well meaning individuals and corporate organisations to complement the state government’s effort by investing in agriculture, a sector he maintained, was capable of sustaining the state’s economy.
Also speaking at the launch, Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Mrs Stella Odey, lauded the efforts of the Ministry of Commerce, adding that such novel innovation would help people with busy schedules to shop easily for their needs.
“I am going to be one of your biggest customers and front line marketer but I urge you to emphasise more on local producers to enhance effective service delivery and customer satisfaction,” she said.
