Abia Set To Attract International Attention With Afrikando, Trade Fair, Holds Training For Permanent Secretaries
Ogbonnaya Ikokwu, Umuahia
Abia State is set to attract national and international attention as it hosts the 27th Afrikando Trade Conference from November 17 to 19, 2026, in Umuahia, the state capital.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday at Government House, Umuahia, while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
The Commissioner announced that this is the first time the United States-Africa Trade and Investment Conference is being held on African soil, stressing that the conference is organised by the Foundation for Democracy in Africa (FDA) in collaboration with the Abia Global Chamber of Commerce, and will provide a major platform for the state to showcase its investment opportunities and connect small and medium-scale enterprises with international investors.
He said, “Umuahia will command national, continental and global attention as the 27th Afrikando Conference comes to Umuahia.
“It is important to note that this is the first time the U.S.-Africa trade conference is being held in Africa, and in Umuahia, since the first U.S.-Africa trade and investment conference was held in Florida about 30 years ago.”
He described the conference as a significant economic opportunity for Abia, noting that investors from the United States would be in Umuahia to engage with Nigerian and other African businesses and explore opportunities for trade and investment.
“The fair will provide an opportunity for the Abia State Government to help its small and medium-scale enterprises to connect with international investors,” he said.
“During the conference, investors from the U.S. and other countries will be in Umuahia to close deals with Abia, Nigerian and African enterprises.”
According to him, the conference will also enable state ministries, agencies and local government areas to showcase their respective investment potential, while Governor Alex Otti will formally declare the event open.
“The Afrikando Conference will feature all the state government ministries, agencies and local government areas, displaying the various investment opportunities that are found in the state,”* Kanu said.
Prince Kanu said Abia was selected because of the massive infrastructure development and the business-friendly environment being created by the present administration.
“Abia was selected to host this historic event because of the massive infrastructure renewal and the business-friendly environment in the state,”he said.
The Commissioner further explained that the conference would enable Abia businesses to take advantage of opportunities under the United States-inspired African Growth and Opportunity Act, which provides eligible African businesses access to the American market.
“The Afrikando Fair will help Abia State to harness the unique benefits provided by the United States-inspired Economic Development Programme and the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which provides African businesses the opportunity to explore the U.S. market,” he said.
He added that the event would generate economic benefits for the state beyond investment deals, particularly for hotels, restaurants, transport operators and other local businesses expected to experience increased patronage during the conference.
“The conference will benefit our hotels, restaurants, transport operators and other local businesses during the fair,”* Kanu said.
In a related development, the Commissioner announced that preparations were underway for the Third Aba International Trade Fair scheduled for November 27 to December 6, 2026, at the Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, along Aba-Owerri Road with the theme, “Aba Beyond Borders: Driving Innovation, Trade and Industrial Growth,”
He said the fair is being organised in collaboration with the Abia State Ministry of Trade and Commerce and the Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA).
The Commissioner disclosed that the trade fair will feature key sectors including footwear and leather works, fashion and apparel, food and agro-products, manufacturing, industrial goods, photovoltaic technology and renewable energy, with the objective of strengthening Aba’s position as a leading commercial and industrial hub in the Southeast and Nigeria.
“The 3rd Aba International Trade Fair promises to signpost Aba as a leading commercial hub of the South East and Nigeria as a whole,” Kanu said.
Prince Kanu also disclosed that the State Civil Service Commission is organising a capacity-building programme for Permanent Secretaries, Directors and Deputy Directors from November 16 to 28, 2026, as part of the administration’s ongoing public service reforms. The training will focus on change management, work ethics and professionalism, succession planning, talent management, leadership and strategic management.
“Between the 16th and 28th of this month, in line with the capacity building agenda of the state government, the State Civil Service Commission will organise a training programme for Permanent Secretaries, Directors and Deputy Directors,” he said.
He explained that the programme was designed to strengthen the capacity of senior public officers, promote professionalism and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery across the state.
“This training forms part of the ongoing reforms of the State Civil Service for more efficient and effective delivery of services to the state government and members of the public,”Kanu said.
On road infrastructure, the Commissioner said the state government had continued to consolidate its achievements through 59 direct-labour road maintenance projects spread across the state. He disclosed that two projects had recently been completed, while 11 new projects had been added to the maintenance programme of the Ministry of Works.
“The State Government is strengthening its infrastructure agenda through the engagement of 59 direct labour works spread across the length and breadth of the state,”he said.
The completed projects include erosion control works at Ezi-Alayi Road in Bende LGA and the installation of reinforced concrete slabs over identified open manholes and drains across Aba and Umuahia, bringing the number of manholes covered by the ministry to 120.
He listed some of the newly introduced projects to include the clearing and grading of a three-kilometre road within the Abia State Industrial Innovation Park, Ukwa West; construction of Late Sir Nwala Link Road – Juan Alec Road in Isiala Ngwa South; maintenance of Akwukwaegbu Drive at Orieugba Market, Umuahia North; maintenance of Orie – Eziama – Ntigha Road in Isiala Ngwa North; construction of Amaekpu Street, Abayi, Aba; Ibom Waterfall Road in Arochukwu; drainage works; Ndi Okereke Road, Arochukwu; rehabilitation of Igbere Ring Road, Phase Three, and road construction within Arochukwu General Hospital.
He added that 23 road projects were currently under contract across the state, with construction activities gaining momentum following improved weather conditions. Two of the projects, the 12.6-kilometre Ohanze – Obiete – Akrika-Obu Road, linking Obingwa and Ukwa East LGAs, and the seven-kilometre Bende – Idima Road in Abam, are expected to be presented for commissioning soon.
“For roads on contract, there are about 23 road projects presently on contract across the state. The pace of work is gradually picking up again due to the improved weather conditions at this time,”* Kanu said.
“Two contract roads may be ready for commissioning very soon.”
The Commissioner also warned that the removal or tampering with manhole covers was a criminal offence, stressing that offenders, when apprehended, would be prosecuted for endangering public safety. He urged residents to protect public infrastructure and report acts of vandalism.
“The theft of manhole covers in the state is a criminal offence,”* Kanu declared.
“You will notice that some members of the public, no matter the efforts of the Ministry of Works, keep removing these manholes. In the process, offenders endanger the lives of members of the public. Offenders, when arrested, will be prosecuted.”
“Members of the public are also enjoined to be more vigilant with government facilities around their places of residence.”*
He further cautioned against the unauthorised construction of roadblocks and speed bumps on public roads, advising individuals and communities to obtain approval from the Ministry of Works before undertaking such projects to ensure compliance with approved standards and prevent premature deterioration of roads.
“We also wish to ask members of the public to seek approval from the State Ministry of Works before the construction of speed breakers across our roads,”* he said.
“The rampant and unapproved construction of speed breakers destroys our roads very fast. Such approvals will ensure that the roads are constructed according to approved standards by the Ministry.”
Contributing, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Don Otumchere Oti, also clarified that the construction of road bumps and speed breakers without government approval was unacceptable, explaining that communities seeking such facilities must first approach the Ministry of Works for inspection and authorisation.
“The construction of road bumps and speed breakers without government approval is unacceptable,”* Oti said.
“Communities seeking such facilities must first approach the Ministry of Works for inspection and authorisation. The Ministry will determine the necessity of installing them and provide technical supervision to ensure compliance with approved standards.”
He added that the government could also independently investigate reported accident-prone locations and install appropriate safety measures where necessary.
“Government can also independently investigate reported accident-prone locations and install appropriate safety measures where necessary,” he said.
The briefing was also attended by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Private Partnership (PPP) and Investment Promotion (IP), High Chief J.N. Green-Amankwe, and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha.