The Chief of Staff to the Abia State Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, says the state has concluded plans to hold US-Africa Trade, AFRICANDO 2026 and Investment Conference/Expo, as well as the Aba International Trade fair and Exhibition.

In a statement, Ajagba said these two events present exceptional opportunities to bring the world to Abia and showcase Abia to the world and that it will hold between November and December this year in Umuahia and Aba.

The Chief of Staff said, “They are designed to provide platforms for our entrepreneurs, manufacturers, traders, professionals, innovators, service providers and emerging businesses to showcase their products and services, establish strategic partnerships, access wider markets and engage potential investors and business partners from within and outside Nigeria”.

He noted that already, over 500 international participants, investors and business leaders from the United States, Europe, the Caribbean, Asia and other African countries have registered to participate, adding, “The growing interest is also reflected in the high demand for accommodation in major hotels in Umuahia and Aba during the period’.

He appealed to Christian leaders to ensure that members of our churches and Christian communities, particularly business owners, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, professionals, youths and women in enterprise, are adequately informed and mobilised to take advantage of these opportunities.

He added, “Abia is rising, and the world is gathering. We must therefore ensure that our people are adequately positioned to benefit from the opportunities that this new season presents”.

Ajagba also appealed to Muslims, saying, “Our Muslim brothers and sisters have historically played important roles in commerce, enterprise, transportation, agriculture, manufacturing and the distribution of goods and services across Nigeria and beyond.

“We therefore consider the participation of the Muslim community in these two events both important and desirable.

“I therefore respectfully appeal to our Imams, Islamic scholars, leaders of Muslim organisations and associations, Muslim business leaders, professionals and other respected leaders of the Ummah to help us give these two events the widest possible publicity within the Muslim community.

“We particularly encourage Muslim entrepreneurs, traders, manufacturers, professionals, farmers, transporters, artisans, women and young people in business to take maximum advantage of these opportunities.” (The PUNCH, but headline rejigged)

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