The Rivers Entrepreneurs and Investors Forum is said to have concluded plans to mount an international trade exhibition of leather and textile works from Ariaria Market in Aba, Abia State.
It is not yet clear which town would host the exhibition but the brains behind the show say it is to draw attention to the unique offerings from Ariaria.
Already, a meeting has been held at the weekend between REIF leadership and two major unions in Ariaria: Leather Products Manufacturers Association of Abia State (LEPMAAS), and Association of Tailors and Fashion Designers Inc (ATFAD INC).
REIF says the unions in Ariaria are their affiliates, and that they (REIF) had been working to help Ariaria take its position as the biggest hub in the world.
According to Ibifiri Bobmanuel, president of REIF, products from Aba have made waves around markets in the world including Dubai, Miami, and Poland. REIF has also sealed a partnership scheme to help source best grade leather and textile for Aba leatherworks and textile workers to produce the best in the world and target export market.
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On the trade fair, Bobmanuel said: “We have put together a committee to come out with a south-south/south-east trade exhibition. It will happen before end of this year (2025). The idea is to galvanize the true potential to the business community and exporters in and outside the country.
He said there is evidence that unveiling the treasure in Ariaria Market would shock the world. He said REIF once took the British Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS and the EU Ambassador to Nigeria to Aba 12 years ago to honour the invitation of the LEDMAAS. “What they saw there left them with a different impression about, not just Aba and Nigeria, but about Africa and the potentials that are locked in Africa.
“So, we are trying to make that reality happen. We hope that in a short while we begin to reap the fruits of this enhancement discussion.”
He made it clear REIF does not get funding from government but members contribute the funds they use to execute projects. He said it is about giving back to society.
He also said the aim is to help Aba producers standardize their products.
Confirming the potentials in Aba, Bobmanuel said each cluster head controls between 5000 and 10,000 members. He said no other part of the world has such power. “In Aba, you have those doing different types of leather works, shoes, belts, bags, etc. It’s amazing.”
Confirming this, Confidence Nwaobilo, president of the LEDMAAS, said the two groups would review the committee they had set up.
O.C Williams, President Emeritus of LEPMAAS, supported the move.
