In pursuit of decentralizing markets in Anambra State, a new building materials market has been officially opened in Ogidi, a town in Idemmili North Local Government Area of the state.
Governor Willie Obiano, represented by his Deputy, Dr Nkem Okeke, while declaring the market officially open, called on the market leaders in the state not to relent in their efforts to bring about stability and sustainable development across markets in Anambra.
He praised the efforts of Chief Okwudili Ezenwanko who is now representing Orumba North and South Federal Constituency in the National Assembly whose tenure, as Anambra Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (AMATAS) President General attracted several developments in the markets, one of which was the decentralization of markets in the state, a feat which he said brought about the new building materials market.
Read Also: NARPPMAN Partners Abia On Job Creation
Speaking at the event, the Patron of ASMATA and proprietor of Rojenny Tourist Village, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka described the new and improved market as a welcome development. According to him, the new building materials market would not only be of great benefit to the state, but also to the Anambra people who he said were known widely for their love for trade and commerce.
“I am very happy, knowing that this new market has provided an opportunity to attract more investors and business owners into the state, thereby increasing revenues and encouraging the growth of the state’s economy,” he noted.
Ezeonwuka hailed ASMATA President, Chief Ikechukwu Ekwegbalu for running the affairs of the market associations in the state with dedication and tactfulness.
The multi-million naira market extension was said to have been brought to fruition by communal efforts of the traders to checkmate paucity of business premises for the growing population of apprentices who may be gaining “freedom” from their masters after an agreed period of time, as well as accommodate young men from the Southeast extraction who had suffered business losses as a result of the unending Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeastern part of the country and those who are victims of xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
The traders, however, were not happy that the state government failed to complement their efforts and their request to construct the road, which passes from Onitsha/Enugu expressway to the market extension and environs.
Some of the dignitaries at the event included Chief Ezeonwuka; Lady Pat Okeke, wife of transport mogul, Chief G.U. Okeke, former market leaders and patrons.
THE SUN, NIGERIA