Aba North Chairman, Hon. Timothy Kalu Iheke, Joins Abia Government’s Fight Against Fake and Substandard Products

The Executive Chairman of Aba North Local Government Area, Hon. Timothy Kalu Iheke, has thrown his full weight behind the ongoing statewide sensitization campaign against fake and substandard consumables and beverages, reaffirming his administration’s readiness to partner with the Abia State Government in safeguarding the health and well-being of residents.

The sensitization campaign, themed “No to Fake, Yes to Quality,” was flagged off at El Dorado Hotel, Aba, under the leadership of Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, and organized by the Abia State Orientation Agency (ABSOA) in collaboration with the Abia State Ministry of Information. The initiative seeks to raise public consciousness about the dangers of counterfeit goods and promote a culture of quality, safety, and integrity in trade across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state.

Speaking shortly after the flag-off ceremony, Hon. Timothy Kalu Iheke applauded the state government for its proactive approach to protecting the lives of Ndi Abia through awareness and regulatory action. He described the campaign as a timely intervention that will help rid the markets of harmful products that endanger public health and undermine the reputation of genuine traders.

“I want to commend His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, for his unwavering commitment to building a new Abia founded on integrity, safety, and excellence.

“The fight against fake and substandard products is a collective duty, and we in Aba North are fully aligned with this noble vision,” Iheke said.

The council boss emphasized that Aba North, being a commercial hub, plays a critical role in ensuring that only safe and genuine products reach consumers. He pledged to mobilize market leaders, traders’ associations, and youth groups across the local government to key into the campaign and ensure that the message, “No to Fake, Yes to Quality”, becomes a guiding principle in every market and shop within the area.

“Our administration will collaborate with ABSOA and other relevant agencies to intensify market sensitization and consumer education. We will not allow dishonest traders to profit at the expense of innocent lives,” he assured.

Hon. Iheke further cautioned traders and distributors against the sale of adulterated and counterfeit consumables, warning that the council, in partnership with enforcement agencies, would clamp down on anyone found culpable.

He praised the Director-General of ABSOA, Hon. Urenna Abazie, for her leadership and innovation in executing the campaign, and also lauded the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, and Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, for championing the initiative with passion and sincerity.

“Aba North is proud to stand with the government of Dr. Alex Otti in this worthy cause. Together, we will restore consumer confidence, strengthen public health, and promote the standard of excellence that defines the new Abia,” the chairman concluded.

The event brought together key government officials, market union representatives, consumer protection groups, civil society organizations, and the media, all united by a common goal to make Abia a state where quality, safety, and integrity are non-negotiable in trade and commerce.