Abia State Inaugurates 23-Member Committee for Second International Trade Fair

The Abia State Government has officially inaugurated a 23-member planning committee for the second edition of the Abia International Trade Fair, with a strong mandate to deliver an event that surpasses the inaugural edition in scope, quality, and impact.

The inauguration ceremony, held at the Deputy Governor’s Conference Hall, Government House, Umuahia, was presided over by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, who also serves as Chairman of the Trade Fair Committee.

While addressing the newly inaugurated members, Engr. Emetu emphasized the importance of drawing lessons from the experiences and challenges of the previous edition.

He urged the committee to bring innovation, dedication, and excellence to the planning and execution of this year’s event.

He congratulated the members and encouraged them to take the assignment seriously, highlighting the significance of the trade fair to Abia’s economy and business community.

“We are expecting increased participation from industrialists, investors, and entrepreneurs who will showcase their products and services. We must be open to new ideas and ensure our preparations reflect the true spirit of Abia,” Emetu stated.

He also announced that all financial transactions related to the trade fair will now be centralized under the Ministry of Trade and Commerce to promote transparency and accountability.

The ministry will manage the event’s accounts, with the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce serving as Secretary of the Committee. The Vice Presidents of the Aba and Umuahia Chambers of Commerce will serve as Co-Vice Chairmen.

The Deputy Governor called for enhanced collaboration with traditional media and social media influencers to ensure widespread publicity.

He stressed the importance of grassroots mobilization through local government Mayor’s and community leaders.

“The orientation agency has its work cut out. We must work closely with radio stations and also harness the power of social media to drive awareness,” he added.

Engr. Emetu further advised the committee to immediately fix and announce a date for the fair, so it can be officially included in the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA)’s event calendar. This, he said, would facilitate proper scheduling, sponsorship drives, and formal engagement with corporate participants.

In their remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade, Commerce, and Industry, Mr. Nwaka Inem, and his Investment Promotion counterpart, Chief Greene Amankwe, expressed optimism that the 2025 edition of the trade fair would be more impactful than the last.

They emphasized that while trade fairs should be government-driven, their success depends on close collaboration with the Chambers of Commerce, which possess a rich database of businesses operating within the state.

Also speaking, the President of the Aba Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chief Geoffrey Uzoagbara, expressed his gratitude to the state government for the opportunity to participate in the planning process. He described the initiative as laudable, noting that organizing trade fairs traditionally falls within the responsibilities of the Chamber of Commerce.

The second Abia International Trade Fair is expected to attract both local and international stakeholders across various sectors and further position the state as a hub for commerce, investment, and innovation in Nigeria.