The Abia State Government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to fostering collaboration with the Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (ACCIMA) and the organized private sector to promote commerce and drive economic growth.
This assurance was made by Governor Alex Otti during the closing ceremony of the 2024 Aba International Trade Fair held over the weekend. Speaking through his Chief of Staff, Pst. Caleb Ajagba, PhD, Governor Otti underscored the administration’s dedication to implementing favorable policies and creating enabling environments to support business growth across the state.
ABA: Africa’s Industrial Powerhouse In The Making;
Governor Otti highlighted Aba’s strategic significance as an industrial hub capable of spearheading Africa’s industrial revolution. He commended the ingenuity of Aba’s residents, whose innovative products and services have continued to bring global recognition to Abia State.
“Aba is not just the pride of the people of the South-East/South-South, not just for people in Nigeria, but also for people of the African sub-region,” Otti remarked.
He emphasized the State Government’s vision of restoring Aba’s glory as the foremost industrial hub, adding, “Our vision, as a government, is to restore the glory of Abia State, especially Aba, as the foremost industrial hub.”
A Successful Trade Fair: Planting The Seeds Of Global Impact;
Describing the 2024 Aba International Trade Fair as a resounding success, Otti praised the joint Planning Committee comprising ACCIMA officials and state representatives.
“This has unarguably become one of the best-organized trade fairs in Aba in recent times.
“What has happened from the inception of this trade fair from November 28 to date, is the planting of something that is big, and by the time we return here next year, you’ll see that the seed you have sown here today is going to be a platform to launch Aba and indeed the black race into global reckoning,” he stated.
He encouraged ACCIMA and the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, and Industry to commence planning for the 2025 edition immediately, ensuring that any shortcomings from the 2024 event are addressed.
Building On Lessons Learned For A Bigger And Better 2025;
Nwaka Inem, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade, Commerce, and Industry, and Chairman of the Joint Planning Committee, expressed gratitude to participating companies and visitors for making the event a success.
He assured that the 2025 edition of the fair would surpass expectations.
“We learnt some lessons in this trade fair, and these lessons will be analysed, studied, and applied for improvement in future events like this in Aba,” he stated.
Looking Ahead;
The closing ceremony of the 2024 Aba International Trade Fair marked not just the end of a successful event but the beginning of a renewed drive to position Aba as a global leader in commerce and industry.
With Governor Otti’s administration fostering partnerships and innovation, Abia State is on track to achieve its vision of sustainable economic development.
