Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has emphasized the role of the Abia International Trade Fair as a major catalyst in repositioning Aba as a leading Industrial and Commercial hub for economic growth and industrial revival in Nigeria and the West Africa.
Governor Otti who stated this, Saturday, at the Aba Mega Mall while officially declaring open the Maiden Edition of the Aba International Trade Fair, described Aba as a “hidden gem” with the capacity to drive long-term growth for businesses of all sizes.
The 10 days event, organized by the State Government in collaboration with the Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (ACCIMA), with the Theme: “ABIA REFORMS, LIMITLESS OPPORTUNITIES”, aims to showcase Aba as a key destination for businesses across West Africa.
Governor Otti in his keynote address titled; “A TIME TO BELIEVE”, noted that the commercial nerve center of the State boosts a large market size of skilled workforce and access to resources.
The Governor who used the opportunity to announce the return of Aba as a major Industrial and Commercial destination in the West African, expressed optimism that Aba could play a pivotal role in advancing Nigeria’s economic goals, including diversification, job creation, and increased National Output.
“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 higher 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 region”, Gov Otti stated
He highlighted the investments his administration has made in Road Infrastructure Projects, Security, Waste Management, and Stakeholder Engagements adding that a lot has been done to restore the lost glory of Aba.
“Aba faced severe difficulties over the last two decades as social infrastructure deteriorated, forcing many individuals and business entities to move to other places.
“I am glad to say that in the last 18 months, a lot has been done to restore the old glory of this great City through extensive investments in road infrastructure projects, security, waste management, social re-orientation and stakeholder engagements as we work collectively to rebuild and reposition for the opportunities of tomorrow“, he noted.
Governor Otti called on businesses that left Aba to return as the challenges that forced their departure have been drastically reduced.
The Governor urged investors to consider Aba for opportunities in diverse sectors, including Real Estate, Manufacturing, Agriculture, and Hospitality and assured that the State Government would provide them with the needed support to succeed.
He expressed gratitude to the Chairman of the Planing Committee, headed by his Special Adviser on Trade, Commerce and Industry, Chief Nwaka Inem, for his dedication in making the event a success and lauded ACCIMA for partnering with the State Government to elevate the fair to international status.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (ACCIMA), Geoffrey C. Uzoagbara, said that Abia had never had it so good until the emergence of Governor Otti addimg that the Governor’s reforms which cut across all sectors of the economy has set Aba as an investment destination.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Planning Committee and Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade, Commerce and Industry, Chief Nwaka Inem, in his welcome address 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”.
Presentations, Seminars and Peer discussions were held by some of the discussants and panelists including Dr. Marizu Uche, Executive Director/CEO, Interlink Technologies and Management Systems Inc., Florida,who spoke on the Topic: Organized Private Sector (OPS) and SME Entrepreneur, 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.
The 2024 Aba International Trade Fair which attracted businesses from various sectors, including renewable energy, civil engineering, shoe and garment manufacturing, real estate, and local automotive industry also featured a tour of several exhibition stands by Governor Otti where he inspecting the diverse range of products and services showcased by local and international businesses.
