…as govt charges traders to participate fully in Aba international trade fair
Abia State Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Dr Mrs Salome Obikwu, has called traders and business operators in the system to participate fully at the forthcoming Aba International Trade Fair.
Meanwhile, the Abia State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) has set December 6th, 2026, the final day of the trade fair, as a grand reception day for Governor Alex Otti.
DrumAfricanews reports that the ASMATA leadership on Thursday, August 13th, ,2026 inaugurated a high-powered committee for the organisation of a grand reception in honour of Governor Alex Otti by the state traders and members of the business community.
In her speech during the inauguration of the committee, Dr Obikwu, who was the special guest at the ASMATA meeting held in Aba, urged them to ensure the organisation hold a befitting reception for the governor.
Obikwu said that Governor Otti has significantly impacted business activities in the state through his people-orientated and visible infrastructural projects.
She expressed happiness that the proposed December 6, 2026 date for the reception coincides with the grand finale of this year’s Aba International Trade Fair, both of which will hold at the open field of the Abia State Polytechnic Aba.
Dr Obikwu, while describing the planned reception for the Governor as apt, however, urged ASMATA and the markets leadership to redouble their efforts at mobilising traders ahead of the 2027 election proper.
She appreciated the market leaders for their efforts during the continued voter registration exercise, but frowned at the lackadaisical attitude of some of them, who she said are only interested in pursuing their selfish interests.
“I want to thank the ASMATA and Markets Executives for their efforts during the Continued Voters Registration CVR exercise conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“But I am aware that some of you put in more efforts than others… In fact, there are some of you who are lackadaisical and less committed to matters of state but are busy pursuing personal interests
“But, I want to assure you that there is a reward for everything we do in life. There are some of you who are behaving as if they are above the law. But I want to remind you that one day, you will get your reward for whatever good or bad thing you do.
“My advice to you people, the market leaders, is to use the opportunity given to you to work for God and humanity.
“Also, I want you people to work in harmony with members of your executives in the overall interest of growth and development of the markets.
“Some of you from the reports we are getting are not respecting constituted authorities. You don’t respect government institutions or the ASMATA leadership. You are not carrying along your executive members. And we are also aware that some of you always behave as if nothing will happen. But one day, some of you will be shocked by our reaction.”
The commissioner appealed to the markets’ leadership to come together and work for the re-election bid of Governor Otti, who everyone, including the opposition, is in agreement that his administration has remarkably lifted Abia state.
In her words, “It is not enough to register and obtain their PVCs; you have to be intentional in your efforts at mobilising traders and others to be ready to come out en masse to vote on election days.
“You are living in Abia State and earning your living here, so it is incumbent upon us to ensure we protect the state. Encourage traders and others under you to participate fully during the voting period so that they protect what they have.”
Dr Obikwu also appealed to the markets leaders and ASMATA leadership to ensure full traders’ participation in this year’s Aba International Trade Fair.
She said that this year’s trade fair will be remarkably different from past editions, insisting that all markets in the state will register their presence and promote their products.
“All markets in the state are expected to have their own pavilions at the fair ground where they will display their products and other services. Some of you who are importers and exporters will use the opportunity to even bring in your business partners from outside the country.”
The President-General of ASMATA, Chief Alphonsus Udeigbo, while speaking earlier said that the grand reception ceremony will provide traders in the state the opportunity to formally adopt Governor Otti as their consensus candidate ahead of the 2027 polls.
Udeigbo said that the event will see all traders in the state and members of the business community converge at the Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic to appreciate the governor for keeping his promise of giving hope to Abians.
“Before the election of 2023, Dr Alex Otti told Abians not to cry again; that help was on the way. Today, it is clear to everyone that the help is truly here.
“So, the traders on December 6 will be formally approving the governor for another four years after 2027 so that he will consolidate on his transformational governance,” Udeigbo stated.
The committee which has among part of its responsibility, to plan and organise a befitting “Grand Reception in honour of the Governor”, is headed by ASMATA Treasurer Elder Uchechukwu Anyanwu.
Anyanwu appreciated the commissioner and ASMATA leadership for finding them capable, and assured everyone of their readiness to deliver on their mandates, adding that the good works of the governor have made the job of the committee easier.
