Abia State Unveils 23-Member Committee for 2025 International Trade Fair

Abia State Unveils 23-Member Committee for 2025 International Trade Fair

The Abia State Government has inaugurated a 23-member committee to oversee the planning and execution of the second edition of the Abia International Trade Fair, with a clear mandate to exceed the achievements of the inaugural edition in both scale and impact.

The inauguration ceremony took place at the Deputy Governor’s Conference Hall in Umuahia, with Deputy Governor Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu—who also chairs the committee—presiding over the event.

In his address, Engr. Emetu urged members to bring fresh ideas, innovation, and a strong sense of commitment to the task ahead. He stressed the need to build on lessons learned from the previous edition and deliver a more robust and inclusive trade fair.

“This year’s fair must reflect the true spirit of Abia. We anticipate increased participation from investors, industrialists, and entrepreneurs, and we must ensure that our planning is thorough and forward-thinking,” Emetu said.

To promote transparency and accountability, he announced that all financial transactions related to the trade fair would be managed centrally by the Ministry of Trade and Commerce. The Commissioner for Trade and Commerce will serve as the Committee Secretary, while the Vice Presidents of the Aba and Umuahia Chambers of Commerce will serve as Co-Vice Chairmen.

Engr. Emetu also emphasized the importance of strategic publicity, calling for stronger partnerships with traditional media and digital influencers. He urged local government mayors and community leaders to support grassroots mobilization efforts.

“The orientation agency has a major role to play. We must utilize radio, community outreach, and social media to drive awareness and participation,” he added.

The Deputy Governor further tasked the committee with setting and announcing a date for the fair as soon as possible, noting that early inclusion in the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) calendar would aid sponsorship and corporate engagement efforts.

In their remarks, Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade, Commerce, and Industry, Mr. Nwaka Inem, and his counterpart on Investment Promotion, Chief Greene Amankwe, expressed confidence that the 2025 edition would be more impactful, highlighting the importance of collaboration between government and business networks.

President of the Aba Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chief Geoffrey Uzoagbara, also commended the initiative, describing it as timely and aligned with the Chamber’s traditional role in organizing trade fairs.

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