Anambra traders commission multi-billion Naira building materials market 

OGIDI, Onitsha, Anambra, Nigeria – Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State  today commissioned a multi-billion Naira ultra modern extension of the Building Materials International Market in Ogidi, Idemili North local government area of the state built by traders in the market.

Our investigation showed that the multi-billion Naira Building Materials Market  is situated in a large expanse of land measuring about 5.901 hecters and located along Enugu-Onitsha express way, about 7km away from  Onitsha. The ceremony started with a special prayer and worship conducted by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma (aka Ebube monso).

In his sermon, the Catholic priest thanked God for giving the traders the special grace to start and complete the project. According to him,  God is the beginning and end of whatever they possess and urged the traders to trust in God with all their hearts.

“God is the beginning and end of everything you have. Without God, today cannot be a reality. Therefore, commit your life and businesses to Him.  If you have any charm in your shop, remove it. The charm is not the source of your wealth and success; but God. Do your businesses with sincerity and trust in God, and you will not regret doing so. Do not cheat anybody in order to become rich. Trust in God; God never disappoints those that depend in Him.”he admonished them.

Commissioning the over 1200 decked shops, Governor Obiano, represented by his deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke, praised the traders for the giant stride which saw to the commencement and completion of the market.

Obiano said that traders in Anambra, especially those at the Building Materials International Market, Ogidi, had supported his government greatly by raising revenue for government from the markets.  He also encouraged them to ensure regular payment of their taxes and levies, so that government would have fund to provide infrastructure across the state.

The governor further urged  the traders not to depend on buying and selling alone, but to delve into manufacturing, which, according to him, would add value to their businesses, by increasing their revenue and employment opportunities.

Earlier in his welcome address, president general of the market, Chief Jude Nwankwo, said that construction of the market  started on January 2, 2018. According to him, the purpose of the market extension was to accommodate fellow traders, brothers and sisters that returned from the northern part of Nigeria as a result of Book Haram insurgency; as well as their trade apprentices that needed to be settled and accommodated in shops.

He said that the market was built singlehandedly with monetary contributions from traders in the market, without borrowing money from any bank to execute the project.

“In addition to the numerous shops constructed, we also constructed drainage system, installed electricity transformers, sunk boreholes, constructed street lights, toilet facilities, fire fighting equipment, among other amenities put in place in the market,” he said.

He also commended the governor, saying that the progress as well as the construction and commissioning of the market extension was the fruit of peace entrenched in markets in the state by the Obiano’s government. 

According to Nwankwo, and  the building materials market, Ogidi,  was jointly owned by five market unions located at various streets in Onitsha and Nkpor; which relocated to the new site, namely Ozomagala Building Materials Union; Ezenwekwe/ Welding Building Materials Union, St. John’s Tiles Dealers Association, Ogalonye Plywood Market Union and Nkpor Cement Dealers Association.

Also in his remarks, former president general of Anambra Market Associations, who is presently at the green chambers of the national assembly, Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo, commended the traders for the feat. He used  the opportunity to implore the state government to give  the traders 10  years tax waver to enable them recover from the expenses before they would start paying taxes and levies.

Nwankwo said that markets are built by government and handed over to traders; but that in events where traders do so themselves, they should be encouraged through such wavers.

Also in his remarks, the Hon. Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Wealth Creation, Hon. Uche Okafor, commended the traders for constructing the gigantic market extension. He also commended the state government for providing enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state.

The ceremony attracted people from all walks of life, including the President General of Anambra State Market Amalgamated Traders Association, ASMATA, Chief Ikechukwu Ekwegbalu; board of trustees led by its president, Sir Mark Aguiyi; patrons of the market led by it’s chairman, Hon. Silas Ejeabocha; as well as traders from different markets in Anambra and beyond. Others include traditional rulers and town union leaders from different communities, politicians and business partners from abroad.