By: AdaLilian Muogbo
An Industrialist, business mogul and a critical stakeholder in Nnewi, Chief Cletus Ibeto (Omekannaya) has commended the Mayor of Nnewi North Local Government Area, Hon Echezona Anazodo for knowing his onion when it comes to matters that pinches the traders.
Chief Ibeto who made this comment after commissioning 176 shops at A60B & A60C Golden Line now called Sir Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu Ultra-Modern Complex, Agbo-Edo Market Nnewi, also described the Mayor as a catalyst, adding that he came because of the love and support he has for him as a Local Government Chairman of Nnewi North.
He said that before the demolition of the old building that he asked some vital questions about the occupants of the old shops if they would retain their shops after the whole process and Mayor promised him that everybody affected must get his/her shop back.
“As a miracle of how manage, 176 shops were gotten out of the original 90 shops existing before and that was so tremendous”. He said.
Ibeto also appreciated the Mayor for recognizing those who stood and worked with him regardless of the challenges and difficulties encountered in the process.
To the traders and owners of the shops in the complex, Chief Ibeto prayed for business breakthroughs, open doors and prosperity saying that he was once like them when he started business in 1970.
The Mayor of Nnewi North Local Government Area, Hon. Echezona Anazodo in his own speech affirmed that the shops were built in line with the Anambra State Government’s mandate in order to meet the modern and current trend of modeling and remodeling with standard, adding that with the support of Chief Ibeto was tremendous.
On the challenges they encountered the Mayor said, “There were fear of retaining their shops after the process because the shop owners at the new block were afraid that the government might disappoint them after the project, but we took our time to explain to them that we are genuine, the construction of the market demands good planning, and we want to deal with the fear people have and also put confidence in them, so in line with our governor’s standard, we came up with the project.
“The Uruagu PG, Hon Innocent Okoli also intervened to see that the market was completed despite some obstacles. To meet up with the standard, we assembled all the engineers in Nnewi and screened them, took the best. Demolition of the old structure took only fourteen hours, foundation was done in fourteen days and within two weeks, we were able to erect a new structure which was professionally handled.
“In order to avoid reoccurring fire outbreaks, we used Cutix cables products for wiring of the shops which is best in Nigeria and decked the building . We want to modernize Nnewi market to meet up with the standard of Gov, Soludo desired,” Hon, Anazodo asserted.
The Special Adviser to Gov. Soludo on Anambra Markets, Hon. Evaristus Ubah applauded the Nnewi North LGA Chairman for the vision saying that he was happy that original occupants of the shops were given back their portions.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Industry, Mr Christian Udechukwu who described the project as a big edifice also said that the intention of the governor was to give Nnewi good roads, markets, hospitals and other amenities adding that the governor has come up with a good master plan for Nnewi town.
He also thanked Chief Ibeto for his good works in Nnewi.
The Agboedo Motor Spare Parts Chairman, Bro. Dennis Ikegwuonu thanked Chief Ibeto, Commissioner for Industry, SA to Gov, Soludo on Market, and others who witness the epoch making event.
He added that they gave Mayor support and it was a great success.
In an interview with the Special Adviser to Nnewi North Local Government Chairman on Market and Entrepreneurship Development, Mr Ejike Ndubuizu on how the project became a reality, he said, “There has been an overflow of traders in the market before now, a lot of young boys are finding it difficult to have an establishment for transaction of goods and services.
“This particular spot A60B line has been a blockage between the existing Motor Spare Parts and extension market that is controlled by Uruagu community. The place used to be a fence that boarders the market and because of the overflow, shops were erected front and back of it and it became a blockage.
“We have to pull it down to re-erect something that will give accessibility we are looking for between the Agbo-Edo Motor parts market and the other zone 14 extension market that is also motor parts extension. What we tried to do was to open the place and also create an alternative and opportunity especially for young people because finding a shop for young apprenticeship after serving their master becomes a big challenge. That was what prompted the solution we are seeing now.
“My appreciation goes to the Mayor who was my Chairman because when the idea came, we presented it to him and he moved on with it, regardless of the challenges, he was able to use carrot and stick approach to ensure peaceful atmosphere. I also appreciate Chief Cletus Ibeto who came to commission this project and other dignitaries especially the traders because they gave their trust that we can do it”
The Chairman Building Committee, Mr. Kenechukwu Okeke who also revealed that the primary purpose of the project was to open up the extension of Agbo Edo Motor Spare Parts thanked the Mayor, Hon. Echezona Anazodo for seeing the reason for building the shops and approving it.
He said that old occupants of the former building were so scared that they might lose their shops and went as far as stopping the project adding that with the intervention of the Local Government Chairman who stood his ground with the committee, the project was completed, and commissioned.
He thanked all the individuals who brought in their initiatives to make sure the project became a reality, especially Mr. Ejike Ndubuizu for his doggedness, his co-building committee members, Mr. Uche Muogbo, Mr. Ejike Oramalu, Mr. Leonard Obodo, Mr. Cosmos and supervisors who worked tirelessly day and night to make the task given to them a realty.
He also applauded the leadership of the market Mr. Ikegwuonu Dennis, Obi of Uruagu, HH Obi Afamefuma Obi, Obi Umudim, among others.