Suleiman Anyalewechi, Aba
Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has underscored the need for market leaders at all levels to key into the Abia Renewal mantra, and partner with the government to reposition the state along the path of growth and rapid development. This is even as he has pledged to transform Abia State within the next two years.
Governor Otti who spoke at the occasion of the formal presentation of certificates of recognition to the Grand Patrons and Stakeholders of Eziukwu Road Market (formerly Cemetery Market) held at the Aba Sports Club on Thursday October 12, 2023, charged the awardees to continue on the path that have earned them the honour which they have been bestowed.
Basking in the unprecedented euphoria that trailed the inauguration of the reconstruction of the seemingly jinxed, but all important Port Harcourt /Aba Road, Gov Otti promised that his government will not relent on its avowed mission of reclaiming the lost glory of Abia state, noting that the government recognizes the important roles of the market leaders in the quest for the economic growth and development of the state.
“The government values the roles of market leaders, traders and their patrons in its efforts to reposition the state. And we also appreciate past roles of the awardees in moving the state forward.
We are therefore charging them to up their game with this honour they have been bestowed today. I am happy to note that there have been positive changes in the leadership of the markets, especially the Eziukwu Road market.
The high and innovative leadership templates that have been instituted by the Eziukwu Road market executives led by chief Alphonsus Udeigbo are commendable.
There are positive changes now, I’m therefore urging them to maintain the good leadership culture and go further to strive to bring the market to the best global standards.” Otti stated.
The Abia state Chief Executive, further promised to not only create the enabling environment for the thriving of investments and growth of business activities, but will make concerted efforts toward promoting “Made in Aba ” products.
“So far, we have secured a contract with the Police for its personnel to be kitted with some made in Aba products. And we are hoping to do more” the Governor noted.
Chairman of the occasion, and one of the recipients of the Grand Patron awards, Ide J.C Udeagbala lauded Governor Otti for keeping faith with Abians through the execution of people-oriented programmes, since mounting the saddle about four months ago.
Chief Udeagbala, who is also the National President of Nigeria Chamber of Commerce, Mines, and Industry (NACCIMA) promised that the government will continue to enjoy all the needed support, given that it has shown capacity, trust and readiness to sincerely serve the people.
Chairman of the Eziukwu Interim Management Committee, Sir Udeigbo, noted that the appointment of the team has served to drive home Gov Otti’s sincere interest in regulating the operations of the markets, so that it will serve genuine interests of both traders and other market users, adding that they will continue to take steps that are geared towards promoting responsible, responsive and honest leadership .
” The conceptualization of the Patrons and Stakeholders Forum represents the pursuit of efficiency in our market, just as the certificates that have been issued today also stand for an authorization to perform oversight functions, as may be deemed beneficial to Eziukwu Road Traders and other users, with the interests of the government and good people of Abia in full consideration.
The joy of all Aba residents, and visitors to Aba will know no bounds when the Port Harcourt Road project is completed. There has been free flow of traffics as a result of the roads you have so far rehabilitated”.
We thank God for your victory at the election petition tribunal. The victory is mainly for Abians and residents of Abia,” Udeigbo, who is also the Chairman of Chairmen of Aba Markets stated.
