Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

Abia State Government is set to host the 2026 edition of AfriCANDO, the U.S.–Africa Trade and Investment Conference and Expo in a move to showcase its economic potential, attract investments and strengthen global business connections.

The programme is slated for November 17 to 19, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.

The event is expected to bring together government officials, business leaders, investors, policymakers, development institutions, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders from the United States, Africa and beyond, providing Abia State with an international platform to present its investment opportunities and position itself as an emerging destination for trade, innovation and industrial development.

AfriCANDO 2026 is being hosted by the Abia State Government through the Abia State Diaspora Commission and co-organised by the Foundation for Democracy in Africa (FDA) and the Abia Global Chamber of Commerce.

The conference, which returns to the African continent, is themed “Deepening U.S.–Africa Commercial Ties in the Era of AfCFTA.”

It is designed to strengthen commercial cooperation, promote cross-border trade and investment, and explore opportunities arising from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

For Abia State, the conference presents an opportunity to showcase its economic strengths to the international community, establish strategic partnerships and attract investments into productive sectors of the economy.

The three-day event will feature plenary sessions, policy forums, sector-specific workshops, business-to-business matchmaking, exhibitions and the Medal of Glory Awards (MOGA) Gala Dinner.

These activities are expected to facilitate engagement between public- and private-sector stakeholders and encourage partnerships capable of generating sustainable economic benefits.

Key sectors to be featured include agriculture, consumer goods, energy, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, academic science and technology, and artificial intelligence.

Participants are expected to explore practical approaches to accelerating AfCFTA implementation, expanding U.S.–Africa trade and investment, improving the export readiness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and promoting innovation, manufacturing and the creative industry.

The conference will also provide entrepreneurs and business owners with opportunities to identify new markets, connect with potential investors, gain insights into international trade regulations and establish commercial relationships with counterparts in the United States and other African countries.

Small and medium-sized enterprises and civil society organisations are expected to benefit from opportunities to develop business linkages and partnerships with U.S. companies, contributing to stronger trade, investment and cultural relations between both regions.

Beyond the conference sessions, investors and business leaders will have opportunities to assess Abia State’s business environment, engage relevant stakeholders and explore potential areas of collaboration.

The event will equally offer sponsorship, advertising and exhibition opportunities for businesses, corporate organisations and development institutions seeking visibility among government officials, investors and industry leaders from Africa and the United States.

With its emphasis on trade facilitation, investment promotion and international partnerships, AfriCANDO 2026 is expected to strengthen Abia State’s engagement with the global business community and create opportunities for local enterprises to access wider markets.

The hosting of the conference aligns with the broader objective of positioning Abia as a competitive destination for business, investment and industrial growth, while demonstrating the state’s capacity to host major international engagements.

As preparations gather momentum, the conference is expected to place Umuahia at the centre of conversations on U.S.–Africa commercial relations and provide a platform for Abia State to demonstrate its economic potential, connect local businesses with international opportunities and deepen its participation in the expanding African and global marketplace.

By Editor, Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has flagged-off the reconstruction of the 3.995km old express road and the 3.095km Uratta road in Aba, with a promise to deliver the project in 24 months.

At the Flag-off ceremony of the projects on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Port Harcourt road by Uratta junction, Aba, Governor Otti declared that the infrastructure nightmare that plagued Aba for over two decades was coming to an end.

Governor Otti, who noted that the projects were being executed in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB) under the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development (ABSIID) programme and other partners, assured that the projects would be delivered on schedule, as funding was not a challenge.

“You can take it for granted that the nightmare of roads in Enyimba City, particularly Ohanku, Oboand Old Express, is now coming to an end.

“The projects will be completed and delivered on schedule, particularly because the resources required to finance every phase have long been secured. There will be no delay arising from lack of funds, the money is already in the bank,” Gov. Otti stated.

The Governor described the flag-off as a significant milestone in his administration’s efforts to restore Aba’s economic strength, improve urban infrastructure and reclaim the city’s position as a major commercial and industrial hub in the South East.

According to him, the projects are not merely about road construction, but about restoring neighbourhoods, livelihoods and commercial activities, as well as improving access to schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services.

“Today, we have gathered at the intersection of two major roads that embody the ruins of yesterday. Today’s ceremony is both symbolic and significant.

“It is symbolic because the projects we have assembled to flag off – the reconstruction of Uratta Road and Old Express Road – represent the last frontier in the first phase of the greater Aba road infrastructure restoration effort.

“When these projects are completed and commissioned in about 24 months or less, we can formally declare an end to the nightmare of the last two and a half decades, or even more,” Gov. Otti said.

He said his administration has remained committed to reversing the trend since assuming office in 2023, in line with his campaign mantra, “Help is on the way,” noting that rebuilding Abia and restoring its former glory has been central to his development agenda.

“Our journey is only just beginning, but on the strength of the testimonies shared by stakeholders who have spoken, there is clear evidence that we have crossed the Rubicon.

The phoenix has risen. Aba, the beloved Enyimba City, is back!” he declared.

“As you already know, any project we flag off is as good as completed,” the Governor added, expressing confidence in the capacity of the contractor, CCECC, which has proven itself in previous road projects executed in the State.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Don Otumchere Oti, said the two projects will strengthen the internal road network and improve connectivity between major transportation corridors within the commercial city.He disclosed that the roads will incorporate drainage infrastructure, street lighting and bus stops, stressing that modern urban road construction must go beyond smooth carriageways to address pedestrian access, drainage, road safety and other transportation needs.

The Commissioner emphasised that the contracts were not awarded arbitrarily but followed a rigorous and competitive bidding process involving qualified contractors.

Also speaking, the member representing Aba North/South Federal Constituency, Hon. Mascot Alex Ikwechegh, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, the member representing Aba Central, Hon. Ucheonye Stephen, and the 2027 Labour Party candidate for Aba North State Constituency, Mrs. Florence Ijeoma Ehuchie, while acknowledging the deplorable state of the roads, thanked Governor Otti for rescuing the people of Aba, their visitors and customers, and assured that the Governor’s re-election was sacrosanct.

Earlier, the Project Coordinator of ABSIID, Engr. Ndudim Ononiwu, thanked Governor Otti for the confidence reposed in the project team and appreciated the host communities for accepting the projects.

He assured the Governor that the team would work diligently to ensure successful delivery in line with specifications, and urged residents to cooperate with the contractor.Speaking on behalf of Uratta landlords, Old Express landlords and Aba La Ohazu indigenes, Chief Isaac Emejuru commended Governor Otti for coming to their rescue, noting that previous administrations had neglected the roads.

He assured the Governor of overwhelming support from the people of Uratta, Old Express and the entire Aba La Ohazu.

By Editor , Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, has once again reaffirmed his unwavering belief that power belongs to God, stressing that he takes instructions from Him before taking action and will not do anything that is not approved by God.

Governor Otti stated this on Sunday, October 18th, at the headquarters of The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries, Chosen Estate, Amuwo Odofin, Oshodi/Apapa Expressway, Ijesha, Lagos State, where he worshipped with the Church. The visit was in fulfillment of his promise to the General Overseer, Pastor Lazarus Muoka, during one of his visits to Abia, that he would worship with the congregation whenever he was in Lagos and had the opportunity to do so.

The Governor, during his introduction and invitation to greet the congregation,, quoted Psalm 62:11 and said, “For those of us who have very strong Christian Foundation and mark my word, VERY STRONG; why do I say so?

“It’s because my late father was a pastor, and he was Pastor Lazarus Otti. So you can understand, am a Levite.”Our foray into politics is because we believe that power belongs to God.

God has spoken once, twice have I had it that power belongs to God.”We take instructions from God, if it is not right, we will not do it, if God does not approve it, we will not do it,” Governor Otti declared.

Governor Otti, whose presence electrified the worship arena, has consistently stated at different forums that his government will not deliberately engage in any wrongdoing.

In a related development, the governor on Saturday, while worshipping at the Unity Chapel, Government House, Umuahia, where he observed the Sabbath worship, made it clear that God is the foundation of his government. He stressed that he would not approach anybody or any institution, whether the State House of Assembly or the Judiciary, with a request to do what is wrong.

According to the Governor, doing the right thing is the only way to sleep peacefully. Even when called upon at night, one would be able to speak confidently without stuttering.

The number one citizen of the State, who first visited the house of God after receiving his certificate of return as the duly elected Governor on March 22, 2023, four days after failed attempts to steal the mandate overwhelmingly given to him by Abia residents, has continued to commit his personal affairs and the affairs of the State into God’s hands.

Addressing the worshippers, Governor Otti stated that the days when Abia was a laughingstock and the were ashamed to identify as Indigenes, before he took over in 2023, were gone.

He invited anyone in doubt to come and see the transformation, as the congregation responded with thunderous applause and excitement in agreement.Governor Otti thanked the Founder and General Overseer of The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries, Pastor Lazarus Muoka, and the members of the Church for the opportunity to worship with them.

Pastor Muoka, led the congregation in fervent prayers for the Governor and the greater success of his administration.