The Abia State Government has promised that steps have been put in place to ensure the safety of attendees in the Aba International Trade Fair, which will take place from November 28 to December 7, 2024.
Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, Deputy Governor of the state, indicated that approximately 10,000 business enterprises from various countries around the world would attend to showcase their products and ideas, shop for their businesses and family requirements, and build crucial commercial and social contacts.
He promised that the state administration is devoted to the trade fair’s success and has put everything in place to ensure its effective execution over the 10-day period. He also stated that the government recognises the significance of the trade fair to the Aba business community and Abia State’s economy and has taken appropriate precautions to avoid failures on any level.
He stated, “Abia, as you know, has emerged as one of the safest and most secure 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 Emetu stated that security infrastructure and people would be deployed at the Trade Fair venue for 24-hour operation to ensure the safety of the participants, their products, and other vital infrastructure that would be set up there.
He also claimed that the government has taken precautions to ensure that there are no security risks or gaps before, during, or after the trade expo. “We anticipate an inflow of visitors, business people, and shoppers to Aba for the trade exhibition. As a result, we have taken steps to ensure that everyone, regardless of where they are living, has enough security.
The security forces have been effectively mobilised and have begun work in pursuit of our goal of an incident-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 announced that free shuttle buses will be stationed at crucial junctions every morning and evening to transport attendees to the Trade Fair venue for the day. “This is one of the initiatives to make it easy for visitors to move around in safety and comfort in Aba.
“Arrangements are being made to work with hoteliers and others in the hospitality business to offer special rates to those who will be visiting for the Trade Fair, and more information on this will be provided later.”
He stated that, in addition to the excellent work done on security, welfare, and attempts to convey the story of Aba in a new way to visitors, the administration has also taken the initiative to effectively connect with significant business communities and interests in other regions 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 also stated that the Aba 2024 International Trade Fair will be more than just commerce, as plans are underway to organise a rich symposium to discuss the restoration of Aba as a historic land of opportunities for all who dare to believe in the validity of their dreams.
