Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has officially flagged off the reconstruction and remodeling of the Ekeoha Shopping Centre.
The project, which aims to revitalize one of the city’s most prominent markets, comes with a firm assurance from the Governor that no shop owner will lose their business during the process.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, held at the Ekeoha Shopping Centre Aba, Governor Otti emphasized that the remodeling would be executed in phases to minimize disruption to traders.
He assured that the government is working closely with the market management to arrange temporary relocation options for affected traders, to ensure business continuity throughout the project.
“What we have started today in Ekeoha is to signpost our readiness to open a new vista in our infrastructure restoration programme.
“Let me give you my word that nobody will be short-changed because this is our collective project.
“Government has taken very proactive steps to secure temporary accommodation for the traders who do their day-to-day businesses here.
“It must also be noted that this remodeling is going to be in phases to ensure order and minimum difficulty to traders and customers.
“We are interested in the growth and prosperity of our business community and one of the fundamental efforts that must be made in this regard is to make the environment safe, secured and friendly.
“We have set up a Project Management Committee to see that there is process transparency, and guarantee that every party meets its obligation, as well as resolve disputes that may arise from time to time“, Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor highlighted that his administration is focused on creating a safe, secure, and business-friendly environment in Abia State, particularly in Aba, the state’s commercial nerve center, stressing that the project is designed to transform the markets in Aba into 24-hour business hubs with state-of-the-art facilities.
He revealed that the remodeling project would be driven by a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, anchored by robust stakeholder engagement and consultation adding that the government’s role in the venture is to protect the interests of the people.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Trade, Commerce, and Industry, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, underscored the necessity of remodeling the Ekeoha market and expressed confidence that upon completion, the market would unlock new opportunities for traders and serve as a catalyst for the broader development of Aba.
He called on traders and all stakeholders to support the project and embrace the positive changes it would bring.
In their remarks, the Mayor of Aba South, Chief Uche Nwogu, and the ASMATA President, Chief A.E. Udeigbo, expressed their gratitude to Governor Otti for his focus on projects that would elevate the state’s commercial hub and lauded the Governor’s assurance that no legitimate shop owner would lose their shop during the remodeling.
The project’s developer, Engineer Chinedu Onyeizu, described the remodeling as a milestone that reflects Governor Otti’s unwavering commitment to transforming Aba and pledged to deliver a world-class textile market at Ekeoha.
He noted that the design would ensure minimal disruption to daily trading activities and added that the market when remodelled would feature modern facilities, including fiber optic connectivity, electric lifts, mobile ambulances, a mini clinic, and advanced firefighting systems.
