As Governor Otti Inspires Action Against Fake And Substandard Consumables

EBERE UZOUKWA, PhD

In a remarkable move to uphold public health and consumer safety, the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has once again demonstrated its people-centered commitment through a bold sensitization initiative targeting fake and substandard consumables and beverages circulating in Abia State.

Under the leadership of the Abia State Orientation Agency (ABSOA), the campaign, aptly themed “No to Fake, Yes to Quality,” is not just an event but a strategic call to action. It seeks to awaken the conscience of traders, manufacturers, and consumers alike to their collective responsibility of ensuring that what reaches market shelves is safe, genuine, and beneficial to human health.

Scheduled for Thursday, November 6, 2025, at El Dorado Hotel, Aba, this statewide sensitization campaign forms an integral part of Governor Otti’s broader agenda to build a New Abia anchored on transparency, integrity, and the well-being of citizens. The menace of fake and substandard consumables has for years remained a silent threat to public health, undermining consumer confidence and damaging the reputation of local enterprises, particularly those in Aba, the industrial heartbeat of the state.

Through the visionary guidance of Governor Otti, the Abia State Orientation Agency is redefining its mandate by moving beyond civic education into active health and safety advocacy. This campaign serves as a preventive mechanism that complements the efforts of regulatory bodies such as NAFDAC, SON, and public health authorities. By bringing together key stakeholders including manufacturers, traders, consumer groups, and regulatory agencies, the initiative underscores the power of collaboration in confronting a challenge that affects every household in Abia.

Governor Otti’s philosophy of governance is rooted in the belief that development without health is unsustainable. His administration recognizes that no economy can thrive when its people are endangered by unsafe products. Therefore, this sensitization drive seeks to promote a value-driven market culture where quality, not profit, becomes the defining measure of business success.

For Aba manufacturers and traders, the campaign serves as both a reminder and an opportunity to place public health above pecuniary interests and rebuild the trust that once made Aba a hub of innovation and craftsmanship. Upholding quality standards is not just good business; it is a moral and civic obligation. By embracing excellence and integrity, local producers can reposition Aba as a center of authentic, reliable, and export-worthy goods.

Ultimately, the “No to Fake, Yes to Quality” campaign mirrors the heartbeat of Governor Otti’s vision of a safer, healthier, and more responsible Abia where governance meets compassion and economic growth is powered by ethical practices. As stakeholders converge in Aba for this vital engagement, one that message resonates clearly is that the era of fake and substandard products is over. Quality, safety, and integrity must define the New Abia.

– Dr. Ebere Uzoukwa is the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Abia State on Public Affairs.