Chief Nwaka Inem (Middle) addressing the Press on plans for Aba International Trade Fair
Aba International Trade Fair begins November 26
From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia
The 2024 Aba International Trade Fair will take place from November 28 to December 7.
Chairman of the 2024 Aba International Trade Fair Planning Committee, Chief Nwaka Inem, made this known at a Press Conference on Thursday, September 26, 2024 held at the Secretariat Complex of Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA) in Aba, Abia State.
According to him, “the timing of this year’s event is most auspicious as it has been fixed to set the tone for this year’s Christmas shopping activities and give participants, including business owners and shoppers, ample time to prepare themselves for what promises to be a lifetime experience.”
The nine-day Trade Fair would equally come with symposia, workshops and business meetings for local and international investors, the organisers added.
The event, the first ever international trade fair to be hosted in the Enyimba City, is being jointly sponsored by the state government and ACCIMA.
The organisers said the trade show would be used to announce to the world that Aba is back as a preferred business destination.
“The 2024 Aba International Trade Fair will be significantly different from what was obtained in the previous years for the reason that this year’s event has been structured as a joint undertaking between the Aba State Government and the Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, ACCIMA.
“This is to broaden the scope, reach and impact of the Trade Fair for the Aba business ecosystem, and send a signal to the world that the glory of this great city as a pivotal business destination in Nigeria and across the West African region, is returning,” Mr. Inem, said the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade, Commerce and Industry.
“Our collective expectation is that what we do this year will signal what to expect of the annual event going forward because of a truth, Aba’s time to shine on the global plane has come,” he added.
The 21-man 2024 Aba International Trade Fair Planning Committee inaugurated on June 21, 2024, by the State Governor, Dr Alex C. Otti, represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, after due considerations, chose, according to Chief Inem, Aba Mega Mall located along the Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway in anticipation of the huge crowd that would be gracing the trade fair.
“This location is also ideal for those who will be participating from different parts of the country, and members of the international community as it is secured, accessible and spacious,” the Governor’s aide explained.
He added that the Planning Committee has engaged two reputable consultants to work with it to put together a first-rate, world class trade fair.
One of the Consultants, Global Fairs and Exhibitions, is expected to bring their extensive experience and insights in similar events to drive all operational activities related to the Aba International Trade Fair; while the second Consultant, Vivamark Communications Ltd.; would oversee all aspects of the Fair’s marketing and communications protocols.
“The Committee will work closely with these Consultants and will give them every necessary support to achieve our grand ambition for this year’s event which as I had mentioned, will be more than just a trade fair but a strategic showpiece to announce Aba’s rising status as an economic powerhouse and major regional business hub, thanks in large part to the commitment of His Excellency, Governor Alex Otti, OFR, to restore the city’s infrastructure and build new structures that reflects the importance, and glory of Enyimba City as a great destination for business, leisure and family life” Chief Inem said.
The Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Kingsley Nwokocha, said the 2024 trade fair marks a new begining and time to really showcase Aba to the world.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Investment, High ChiefJ.N. Greene Amakwe, announced that an Inquiry Desk would be created at the Investment House during the fair to assist investors.
In his contribution, President of ACCIMA, Chief Jeffrey Uzoagbara, noted that things playing out represent positive change of tide for the Chamber as it would be the first time it would be jointly hosting a trade fair with the state government.
“On our part, we will do anything we need to do to ensure that the trade fair succeeds,” Uzoagbara assured.
On their part, the Consultants: Marcus Ijioma of Vivamark Communications Ltd. and Felix Ekarika of Mid Global Fairs and Exhibitions Ltd. promised to repackage the event to have real international outlook.
During the question-and answer seesion, Chief Inem disclosed that many foreign countries, including Europe, have indicated their interest to participate in the business extravaganza and assured that there would tight security during the event.
