Abia safe for int’l trade fair – Deputy Gov
UMUAHIA- Abia State government has assured that it has put in measures to ensure the safety of participants in the Aba International Trade Fair, holding from November 28 to December 7, 2024.
Deputy Governor of the state, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, stated that over 10,000 business firms from different countries of the world would participate to exhibit their products and innovations, shop for their businesses and household needs and make important business and social connections.
He assured that the state government is committed to the success of the trade fair and has put everything in place to ensure the successful delivery of the 10-day event.
He also explained that the government understands the importance of the trade fair to the Aba business community and the economy of Abia State and has taken adequate steps to avert failures on any front.
He said; “Abia as you know has emerged as one of the safest and most secured destinations in the region following the determination of the Dr Alex Otti administration to create a supportive environment for local businesses, visitors and others who interact with the social and economic environment of the State.
“The Government will go one step further for this Trade Fair by working effectively with all national and local security organisations to keep everyone who will be in Aba for the Trade Fair very safe.”
Emetu assured that security infrastructure and personnel shall be deployed at the venue of the Trade Fair for round-the-clock operation as to guarantee the safety of the participants, their products and other critical infrastructure that will be set up at the venue.
He also stated that the government has taken measures to ensure that there will be no security threats or gaps before, during and after the trade fair.
“We are anticipating the influx of visitors, business people and shoppers to Aba for the trade fair. We have therefore taken steps to guarantee effective security arrangements for everyone no matter what part of the town they are staying in.
“The security teams have been effectively mobilised and have since started work in pursuit of our objective for an incidence-free event in Aba this year.
“Our assurance to everyone who is planning to participate in the 2024 Aba International Trade Fair is that they are coming to one of the safest and most-secured business destinations in the entire country.”
The deputy governor disclosed that free shuttle buses would be stationed at strategic junctions every moming and evening to convey participants to the Trade Fair venue of each day.
“This is one of the initiatives to make it easy for visitors to move about in safety and comfort in Aba.
“Arrangements are being made to work with the hoteliers and others in the hospitality business to offer special rates to those who will be visiting for the Trade Fair, and added that there will be more information on this subsequently.”
He said that beyond the great job that has been done on security, welfare and efforts to tell the story of Aba in a different way to guests, the government have also gone ahead to adequately engage with major business communities and interests in various parts of the country.
“We have sent out invitations to the Governments of the other 35 States of the country, including the FCT, more than 50 embassies and High Commissions, different chambers of commerce across the federation, more than 300 businesses including manufactures and importers, service providers, oil companies and the body of industrialists here in the State and across the country.”
The deputy governor further stated that the Aba 2024 International trade fair will be more than just commerce, as arrangements are in top gear to organise a rich symposium where they shall discuss the restoration of Aba as a historic land of opportunities for all who dare to believe in the validity of their dreams.
