A landmark international exhibition featuring the finest leather and textile products from Aba’s renowned Ariaria Market is on the horizon, thanks to a partnership between the Rivers Entrepreneurs and Investors Forum (REIF) and key industry unions in Abia State.
The upcoming event, slated to hold before the end of 2025, aims to spotlight the extraordinary craftsmanship and industrial capacity rooted in Ariaria, one of Africa’s largest commercial hubs. While the host city for the exhibition is yet to be finalized, organizers say the show is set to capture both local and international attention.
In a strategic meeting over the weekend, REIF officials met with leaders of two major unions—the Leather Products Manufacturers Association of Abia State (LEPMAAS) and the Association of Tailors and Fashion Designers Inc (ATFAD INC)—to solidify plans for the exhibition.
REIF President Ibifiri Bobmanuel emphasized the immense export potential of Aba-made products, noting that goods from Ariaria have already gained traction in global markets such as Dubai, Miami, and Poland. He revealed that REIF has sealed partnerships to supply premium raw materials to Aba manufacturers, allowing them to compete internationally with top-tier products.
“This is more than just an exhibition,” Bobmanuel said. “It’s a movement to elevate Ariaria to global prominence. We are organizing a major South-South/South-East trade fair to energize local talent and connect them with global buyers. Our goal is to make the world see what we’ve always known—that Aba is a goldmine of innovation and craftsmanship.”
According to him, past efforts to highlight the region’s potential have left a lasting impression. “Twelve years ago, we brought the British and EU Ambassadors to Aba, and what they saw completely transformed their view of Nigeria and Africa’s industrial promise.”
REIF’s initiatives are entirely self-funded, with members pooling resources as part of their commitment to social impact and regional development. “We don’t rely on government support. This is our way of giving back, by helping artisans achieve global standards,” Bobmanuel added.
Highlighting the scale of production in Ariaria, he stated that individual cluster heads oversee between 5,000 to 10,000 artisans each, crafting everything from shoes and bags to belts and apparel. “No other region globally commands such concentrated creative energy,” he said.
LEPMAAS President Confidence Nwaobilo confirmed ongoing coordination efforts and said the unions are actively reviewing the plans and committee structure. Former LEPMAAS President, O.C. Williams, also expressed strong support for the initiative.
This upcoming trade fair is poised to position Ariaria’s leather and textile industry on the world stage, potentially unlocking new markets and transforming Aba into a global export leader.
