By STANLEY NWANOSIKE

No Fewer than 34 states in the country failed to honour invitation to attend the just-concluded 35th Enugu International Trade Fair.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that only the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja; Ebonyi State and the host state, Enugu State, graced the 11-day international goods, services and idea showcasing fiesta.

NAN reports that the fair, which began on April 5 and ended on Monday, April 15, was themed: Promoting made-in-Nigeria products for global competitiveness.

Reacting, the Director-General of Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Mr Uche Mbah, said that the chamber followed due diligence in the invitation of all states to the fair.

Mbah noted that official letters were sent and official follow-up on the letters were made to ensure their presence and availability.According to him, we did everything to get them to add colour and increase the showcasing of products from different parts of the country and their investment viability.

We did put in spirited efforts to see that all states participated, as most of them do previously.But it is unfortunate that many did not respond after receiving official letters, phone calls and interpersonal follow-ups were made.We got clear assurances from Kano State but they did not show up.

We pushed harder to get Abia State but in the end, we were told that the governor did not approve, he said.NAN reports that over 100 organisations were at the fair,

which included: over 50 private companies as well as over 45 Federal and State government ministries, agencies and departments. (NAN)