By Daniel Maduka
In its determination to remodel and reconstruct, the over 30 high profile markets across the State to bring them to global best standards, the Abia State Government on Friday February 16, inaugurated the newly appointed members of the Abia State Almagamated Traders Association with a call on them to lead the charge to lift the status of the markets.
The Source reports that the State Commissioner of Information,Prince Okey Kalu had at the end of an Executive Council Meeting three weeks ago announced Government’s plan to remodel and reconstruct most of the State’s markets, most of which were established some 40 years ago.
Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu,the Abia State Commissioner For Trade , Commerce and Investment, while inaugurating the ASAMTA members in Umuahia the State capital enjoined them to partner with the Government in its efforts to create an enabling environment for the thriving of business activities .
Dr Ukaegbu noted that it is the avowed intention of the Abia State government to rehabilitate and transform infrastructural facilities in all parts of the state ,with a view to engendering economic growth and development.
Responding on behalf of the ASAMTA members, the Chairman, Chief Alphonsus Udeigbo while appreciating Governor Alex Otti for finding them worthy to serve, called on the Government to factor in the provisions of some infrastructural facilities such as model schools, fire fighting stations and hospitals at the markets.
Chief Udeigbo who is also at the head of the Interim Management Committee of the State’s largest Market Eziukwu Road Market Aba appealed for the assistance of the State Governor Dr Otti, in drawing the attention of the Federal Government to the negative effects the activities of Customs operatives are having on Abia traders .
The ASMATA Chairman lamented that incessant raids, uncountable check points and other alleged unwholesome activities of men of Customs are at the root of the escalation of prices of essential commodities in not only Abia,but most parts of the Southeast region.
While assuring the State Government of the readiness of the ASMATA leadership and indeed traders in Abia to partner with the authorities in the task of rediscovering and repositing the State ,Chief Udeigbo further appealed for Government’s support and assistance to Small And Medium Scale Enterprises SME ,through the provision of regular power supply and establishment of Micro Finance Banks to provide soft loans to traders and other business operators.
According to him, encouraging traders, and the SMEs with ready and soft loans ,will grow the economy and provide job opportunities ,particularly for the youths,which will in turn impact positively on the security situation in the State.
Other members of the ASMATA were drawn mainly from the leaderships of some the markets across the State.
