In his bid to ensure the return of Aba to its former position as a strategic trading hub in the west African region and a fertile ground for traditional enterprise, Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has flagged off the remodeling of Ekeoha Shopping Center,Aba
Performing the ceremony, Governor Otti regretted that nothing much was done in the past to reposition Aba and its trading spaces to meet the dynamic aspirations of the new businessmen that troop in daily to patronize the best textiles, shoes and litany of other products.
The Governor described the decision to proceed with the remodeling project as an eloquent testimony of his administration’s readiness to make the markets in Aba 24-hours business hubs with state-of -the art facilities to ensure the safety and security of traders and their customers as well as entrench an enduring enterprise culture.
According to him, the project will be driven by public-private Partnership anchored on a robust stakeholder- engagement and consultation, adding that the state government has taken proactive steps to secure temporary accommodation for the traders who do their daily business in the market.
Governor Otti also assured the traders that concrete steps have been taken to ensure that financial leverages are provided to anyone genuinely interested in acquiring a shop when completed, especially the original allotees who shall retain the right of first refusal in the reallocation process as provision has been made for instalment payments.
In their remarks, the Speaker Abia House of Assembly Chief Emmanuel Emeruwa and the member representing Isialangwa north and south federal constituency, Chief Ginger Onwusibe said that the administration of Governor Alex Otti is full of landmark projects and urged the Governor to continue in his developmental programmes for the state.
The Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Industry, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu while reassuring that no trader will lose his shop on completion, said the market would open up new opportunities for traders and serve as a catalyst for greater economic rejuvenation of Aba the commercial hub of the state.
Contributing, the Mayor of Aba South, Chief Uche Nwogu and the ASMATA President, Chief A E Udeigbo appreciated the Governor for the assurance that no trader will lose his shop upon completion, adding that Aba south LGA has been the highest beneficiary of the present administration.
Earlier, the project developer Mr Chinedu Onyeizu said that the remodeling of the Market is a major milestone as it shows the unwavering commitment of Governor Alex Otti to transform Aba to a destination of possibility in commerce and Industry, assuring that the remodeling will be done in in line with the 21st century demands.
