Get Guardian on Google…82 road projects under execution, bans unapproved construction of road Bumps
Abia State Information Commissioner, Prince Okey Kanu, has stated that the 27th AFRICANDO Trade Fair that the state government will host from 17 to 19 November , 2026 in Umuahia, the state capital, is an opportunity to explore and access the USA market, and thereafter harness the huge benefits provided by the United States-inspired Economic Development Programme thereafter.
Commissioner Kalu told Journalists Monday night after the state weekly executive council meeting that the Fair will in addition opportune the small and medium-scale enterprises to connect to international investors.
Prince Kanu announced that the African Trade Conference that will also be declared open by the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti at the International Conference Umuahia, and is organised by the Foundation for Democracy in Africa, in collaboration with Abia State Global Chamber of Commerce, is the first time the U.S.- Africa trade is holding in Africa and in Umuahia, after the first U.S.-Africa Trade and Investment Conference held in Florida, USA, about 27 years ago.
The Commissioner explained that during the three -day conference, investors from the United States will seal deals with participating Abian, Nigerian and African enterprises, including enabling the State government ministries, agencies and local government areas to participate fully, and also exhibit the various investment opportunities that are bound in the state.
According to the Information Commissioner, “Abia State was selected to host this all-important event because of the massive infrastructural development taking place in the state under the watch of Governor Alex Otti as well as the friendly business atmosphere that abounds in the state”.
The Commissioner further announced that in addition to the AFRICANDO 2026 but 27th Annual US Africa Trade and Investment Conference & Expo and Medal of Glory Awards Dinner, “ plans are in top gear for the third Abia International Trade Fair that will hold between the 27th of November and the 6th of December 2026.
This Trade Fair, which is themed: “Aba Beyond Borders, Driving Innovation, Trade and Industrial Growth”, is being organized by the Abia State Ministry of Trade and Commerce in collaboration with the Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, will hold at the Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba.
Commissioner Prince Kanu said that the trade fair will focus on key sectors that include footwear and leatherworks, fashion and apparels, food and agro-products, manufacturing and industrial goods, photoelectric and renewable energy among others.
Additionally, the Information Commissioner announced to the journalists that in line with the capacity building agenda of the state government, the State Civil Service Commission will between 16 and 28th November 2026, organise a training programme for permanent secretaries, directors and deputy directors with a focus on chain management, work ethics and professionalism, association planning and talent management, leadership and strategic management.
Stating that 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, Commissioner Kanu reported that the state government has continued to strengthen its road infrastructure agenda through the engagement of 59 direct labour Works presently spread across the length and breadth of the state.
He said that the two completed direct labour works are, the erosion control work at Ezi-Alayi Bende local government area and the installation of reinforced concrete slabs over 120 open manholes and drains across Aba and Umuahia while 23 road projects are presently on contract.
While he added that the pace of works had increased following the improved weather conditions, he named two newly completed contracted roads as the 12.6 kilometre Ohanze-Obete-Oberete-AKrika Ogbu Road and the 7 kilometer Bende -Idima Abam road, indicating that they may be commissioned soon.
According to him, the government has declared the tampering of manhole covers on the state roads a criminal offence, warning that culprits would be prosecuted, urging members of the public to seek approval from the State Ministry of Works before constructing special road Bumps.
Reacting to some questions, the state Works Commissioner Works, Mr Otumchere Oti reported that through his Ministry , the state government was presently executing 82 road projects, and also working hard to complete the 29 kilometer Ohafia -Ihechiowa -Ututu -Arochukwu with 2 contractors handling the road, while the Onuyang -Okporoenyi road work will speed up, including the Umuoriehi -Umuawa Ohuhu road, following the returning conducive weather condition.
