The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, on Saturday, 30th November, officially declared open the maiden edition of the Aba International Trade Fair at Aba Mega Mall complex in Osisioma Local Government Area of the State. The 10 days 2024 Aba International Trade Fair is a joint undertaking between the Abia State Government and the Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (ACCIMA), with the Theme: ABIA REFORMS, LIMITLESS OPPORTUNITIES!
Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Governor said that Abia and Aba has reached a very important point in its evolution as a major business destination in Nigeria and across the West African region. He noted that although trade fairs had been held in the State in the past, this was the first time an international trade fair is being held in the State, stating that the event promised to be a harvest of great rewards for every Stakeholder.
Governor Otti disclosed that the State had to get involved in the Trade Fair for two major reasons, which, according to him, are: “We believe that this city (Aba) has immense potential that big and small businesses can tap into for growth and expansion. An event like this is designed to show the world the hidden gem that may hold the key to their next big break in terms of market size, skilled and industrious workforce and other forms of access that can be leveraged on to drive long term growth. This trade fair and our active involvement is in recognition of the fact that Aba has so much to contribute to our country’s economic aspirations; whether it is economic diversification, job creation or driving high volume of national output”.
“Another equally important reason for getting involved was to announce the return of Aba as a major industrial and commercial destination in the West African sub-region”, the Governor asserted.
Governor Otti stated that a lot has been done to restore the lost glory of Aba through extensive investments in Road Infrastructure, Security, Waste Management, Social Reorientation, and stakeholder engagements. He, therefore, called on businesses that left Aba to come back as the challenges that forced their departure have been cut down drastically. He also announced to businesses yet to discover the treasures hidden in the State that there is no better place to be than Abia.
“If you are seeking for investment opportunities, Aba is an ideal destination, ripe with potentials for development, from real estate to manufacturing, Agriculture and hospitality. We are ready to provide all the support you need to build great success here”, Governor Otti stated and assured.
While thanking and welcoming foreign and local businesses participating in the trade fair, the State Chief Executive Officer informed them that the State was proud to host and provide them with every necessary support to make their participation in the trade fair an unforgettable experience. He also appreciated ACCIMA for coming to partner with the Government to elevate the regular Aba Trade Fair to an international event.
He assured the participants that every part of the State is safe and secure for business despite minor disturbances at irregular intervals. “Abia is very safe for business, so you will have nothing to fear in any part of the State you choose to visit, especially in the light of the drastic Security measures we have emplaced in preparations for the yuletide”.
The Governor also disclosed that beyond the urban areas, the newly elected and sworn in Mayors of the 17 LGAs of the State and their teams are ready to engage and receive investments in the areas of natural advantage.
He commended the planning committee of the Trade fair for allotting sessions for businesses, Seminars, and Peer discussions to create opportunities for interactions, questions, feedback, and cross-fertilization of Ideas.
After declaring the trade fair open, Governor Otti inspected many business exhibition stands, where he took a closer look at the products and services being showcased.
In their presentations, some of the discussants and panelists, Dr. Marizu Uche, Executive Director/CEO, Interlink Technologies and Management Systems Inc., Florida, and Managing Director/CEO, Interlink Technologies and Management Systems Ltd., Nigeria, who spoke on the Topic: Organized Private Sector (OPS) and SME Entrepreneur, Critical Partners in Abia State Development, Mr. Victor Uruka, an Advocate for Inclusive Financial Education and Empowerment, who spoke on Abia State of Limitless Opportunities, Changes and Prospects for all Stakeholders, and Engr. Francis Anatogu, who spoke on Empowering Abia Businesses for the Global Market through an Export Growth Lab, all agreed that with the current Government in Abia, ably led by Governor Alex Otti, OFR, the State is on track to become a prosperous and developed State in Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (ACCIMA), Geoffrey C. Uzoagbara Esq., said that Abia had never had it so good until the emergence of Governor Otti as the Governor last year (2023). In his words, “Abia State has not had it so good than in the last one year of your Excellency, OFR. The Governor,’s reforms which cut across all sectors of our economy, ranging from infrastructural development, construction and rehabilitation of roads, security and the rest, ease of doing business, power, development of industrial parks, remodeling major markets, educational and healthcare, and host of others confirm that Abia State and indeed Aba is an investment destination to be further showcased by this joint International Trade Fair”.
In his welcome address, the chairman of the Planning Committee and Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade, Mr. Nwaka Inem, while welcoming everyone to the 2024 Aba International Trade Fair, said that the Trade Fair is not just the first of its kind but also a “bold Statement to announce the return of Aba as melting pot of commerce and entrepreneurship in West Africa.” He appreciated the Governor for the great work he has done in Aba and across the State and support in ensuring the success of the trade fair.
The opening ceremony of the trade fair was graced by top Government functionaries.
Ctz. UKOHA NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
