Governor Alex Otti described his administration’s decision to rebuild Aba, the commercial capital of Abia, as a difficult but necessary task.
Otti made the remarks on Thursday during the inauguration of the transformative Ekeoha shopping complex, in Aba.
He said Aba is known globally as a major business destination, a strategic trade hub in West Africa, and a fertile ground for traditional businesses.
“Unfortunately, it has not been properly repositioned with its trading spaces to meet the aspirations of the new generation of business people. I mean persons who daily go to find the best deals on textiles and clothing materials, shoes and leatherworks, electronics, heavy machinery and parts, and other products,” the governor said.
He said the government had set up a project management committee to ensure transparency in the process and ensure each party fulfilled its obligations. Otti said the success of the project requires the active support and cooperation of all stakeholders, urging them to contribute for the benefit of all. Otti said that once completed, those who can pay directly to their shops will be allowed to enter the country, adding that bank support has been secured for traders who own shops without sufficient funds to pay immediately.
Responding to the concerns of traders, Otti said the prices of the shops would be different from previous rates, but promised that the shops would be bigger, better, and more modern.
Chairman of the shopping complex, Emeka Okeke, thanked the governor “for showing himself a friend to Aba traders.”
He said space has been secured for the affected traders to relocate and continue their business until their shops are ready.
Okeke said traders who are averse to the idea of remodeling are those who fear losing their business once the project is completed. He assured that traders would get their business back if the allocation documents were intact.
Chiendu Onyeizu, CEO of Rhino Homes and Properties Limited, said his company would deliver quality projects in record time.
Onyeizu further said his company would transform the shopping complex into a world-class market with a digital presence to satisfy the Abia State Government, traders, and customers worldwide.
He said that as per Otti’s directive, the development of the project would be structured in phases to mitigate the impact on traders.
Onyeizu further said the shopping complex would be extended to the former site of the School of Medical Technology “to ensure no trader is displaced to a distant place.”
Onyeizu added that the new market would be internet-enabled and equipped with elevators, mini-clinics, ambulances, and fire engines for medical and emergency services. Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Chimezi Ukaegbu, said the market has faced challenges over the years that have hindered its potential.
Ukaegbu said the market infrastructure is in disrepair and the trading environment is not well suited to modern business services. He said the new Ekeoha Market is an investment in the future of traders and customers and once completed will boost international trade with a new customer base.
