Abia State Sets Stage for 2025 Trade Fair with 23-Member Planning Committee
The Abia State Government has inaugurated a 23-member planning committee for the second edition of the Abia International Trade Fair, with a clear mandate to deliver an event that exceeds the success of the inaugural edition in scale, quality, and impact.
The inauguration ceremony took place at the Deputy Governor’s Conference Hall, Government House, Umuahia, and was presided over by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, who also serves as Chairman of the Trade Fair Committee.
While addressing the newly appointed members, Engr. Emetu stressed the importance of learning from the challenges and achievements of the previous edition. He urged the committee to approach this year’s event with innovation, commitment, and a pursuit of excellence.
“I congratulate all members of this committee and urge you to take this assignment seriously. The trade fair is a key driver of economic growth and business development in Abia State,” Emetu said.
He noted that the 2025 edition is expected to see greater participation from industrialists, investors, and entrepreneurs eager to showcase their products and services. “We must remain open to fresh ideas and ensure that our preparations truly reflect the entrepreneurial spirit of Abia,” he added.
To ensure transparency and accountability, the Deputy Governor announced that all financial transactions related to the trade fair will be centralized under the Ministry of Trade and Commerce. The ministry will manage all event-related 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.
Engr. Emetu also called for enhanced collaboration with traditional media outlets and social media influencers to maximize publicity. He emphasized grassroots mobilization, encouraging active involvement from local government mayors and community leaders.
“The orientation agency has its work cut out. We must engage radio stations and harness the reach of social media to drive awareness across all communities,” he stated.
He further tasked the committee with setting and announcing a date for the trade fair without delay, so it can be included in the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) calendar. This inclusion, he said, would aid in proper scheduling, sponsorship outreach, and formal engagement with potential corporate participants.
In their remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade, Commerce and Industry, Mr. Nwaka Inem, and the Special Adviser on Investment Promotion, Chief Greene Amankwe, expressed optimism that the 2025 edition will have a greater impact than the first. They emphasized the importance of strong collaboration with the Chambers of Commerce, which have extensive networks of businesses operating in the state.
Also speaking, the President of the Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Chief Geoffrey Uzoagbara, commended the state government for including the Chamber in the planning process. He described the initiative as commendable, noting that organizing trade fairs is traditionally a core responsibility of Chambers of Commerce.
The second Abia International Trade Fair is expected to attract local and international stakeholders across diverse sectors and further establish Abia State as a leading hub for commerce, investment, and innovation in Nigeria.
