Abia State Government is to commence a two-week capacity-building programme for Permanent Secretaries, Directors and Deputy Directors as part of efforts to strengthen the public service and improve service delivery.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing Journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Prince Kanu said the training, scheduled for November 16 to 28, 2026, would focus on change management, work ethics and professionalism, succession planning, talent management, leadership and strategic management.
The Commissioner explained that the programme is designed to enhance the capacity of senior public officers, promote professionalism and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery across government institutions.
He said the initiative forms part of the Otti administration’s ongoing public service reforms aimed at building a more competent, responsive and efficient workforce.
Prince Kanu also announced that Abia would host the 27th Africando Trade Conference from November 17 to 19 in Umuahia, describing it as a major opportunity to showcase the state’s investment potential to national and international investors.
He said the United States–Africa Trade and Investment Conference, organised by the Foundation for Democracy in Africa (FDA) in collaboration with the Abia Global Chamber of Commerce, would, for the first time, hold on African soil.
According to him, investors from the United States would converge on Umuahia to engage Nigerian and other African businesses, explore trade opportunities and establish investment partnerships.
He added that Ministries, Agencies and Local Government Areas would use the platform to showcase their respective investment opportunities adding that Governor Otti would formally declare the conference open.
Prince Kanu attributed Abia’s selection as host to the Otti led administration’s infrastructure development drive and efforts to create a business-friendly environment.
The Commissioner further said the conference would expose Abia businesses to opportunities under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which provides eligible African businesses with access to the American market.
He noted that the conference was expected to boost economic activities and patronage for hotels, restaurants, transport operators and other local businesses.
Prince Kanu also announced preparations for the Third Aba International Trade Fair, scheduled for November 27 to December 6 at Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, along Aba–Owerri Road.
He said the fair organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Commerce and the Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA), has the theme, “Aba Beyond Borders: Driving Innovation, Trade and Industrial Growth”.
According to the Commissioner , the event would feature footwear and leather works, and apparel, food and agro-products, manufacturing, industrial goods, photovoltaic technology and renewable energy.
Prince Kanu said the exhibition was aimed at strengthening Aba’s position as a leading commercial and industrial centre in the South-East and Nigeria.
“The 3rd Aba International Trade Fair promises to signpost Aba as a real commercial hub of the South-East and Nigeria as a whole”, he said.
