The Abia state Markets Amalgamated Traders Association ASMATA leadership on Thursday , August 13,2026 inaugurated a high-powered Committee for the organization of a grand reception in honour of Governor Alex Otti by the state traders and members of the business community.
This is as the state Commissioner for Trade and Commerce Dr Mrs Salome Obikwu called for a remarkable presence of Abia traders and business operators at the forthcoming Aba International Trade Fair .
Speaking during the inauguration of the committee ,Dr Obikwu who was the special guest at the ASMATA meeting held in Aba enjoined members to ensure the organization of befitting reception for the Governor who she said has significantly impacted business activities in the state through his people-oriented and visible infrastructural projects.
The Commissioner 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 .
The Commissioner 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.
While appreciating the market leaderships for their efforts during the continued voters registration exercise ,the Commissioner however 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 advise to you people ,the markets 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 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 be shocked by our reaction. Obikwu stated
This is as she appealed to the markets leaderships to come together and work for the re-election bid of Governor Otti ,who everyone, including the opposition is in agreement his administration has remarkably lifted Abia state .
” 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” she added .
The Commissioner also appealed to the Markets leaders and ASMATA leadership to ensure full traders’ participation in this year’s Aba International Trade Fair.
According to her, 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” she stated .
Earlier ,the President-General of ASMATA Chief Alphonsus Udeigbo informed 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 .
According to him,the event ,will see all traders in the state and members of the business community converge on Abia state Polytechnic Aba 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 is headed by ASMATA Treasurer Elder Uchechukwu Anyanwu among other terms of reference ,is to plan and organize ,a befitting ” Grand Reception in honour of the Governor .
The Committee Chairman who appreciated the Commissioner ,and ASMATA leadership for finding them capable ,assured of members readiness to deliver on their mandates.
According to Anyanwu ,the good works of the Governor has made the job of the committee easier.
