Soludo, Commissioner laud traders as they celebrate 2nd anniversary

By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State and Commissioner for Commerce, Nomso Chukwuma Ebonwu, have lauded traders in the state as they celebrated their second  anniversary (ASMATA Traders’ Day), at Chuba Ikpeazu Stadium, located along Awka road, Onitsha.

Speaking at the event, Soludo who was ably represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Michael Obiekwe, said that such an occasion brings about unity and interactions among the traders.

His words, “It is a thing of joy for us to gather here today (Saturday) to celebrate the hard working traders of Anambra States. I also celebrate the market women traders for sustaining a peaceful trading environment.

“I commend, His Excellency, Governor Chukwuma Soludo for transforming Onitsha, the commercial hub of the state. He remodeled the Onitsha Main market, reformed market leadership, redesignated major markets as markets of socio-economic and security concern.

“He has also improved security, roads and ended sit-at-home which has eaten deep into our economy. Also he has been able to tackle flooding and congestion in the markets,” he further disclosed.

The permanent Secretary who also represented the Commissioner for Commerce,  Ebonwu, urged the traders to continue to support the state government and their market leaders, and stressed the need for security consciousness, warning that, “We must be security conscious.”.

Earlier in his speech, the President General, PG, Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders’ Association, ASMATA, Humphrey Anuna, disclosed that the traders are so lucky to have a governor Like Chukwuma Soludo who he said has provided for them all their heart desires.

“We will continue to pray for him for more good things to come our way. He provided security to us which is the most important thing for any business to grow.

He furnished us with roads that lead to our markets and through good leadership has been able to restore peace in all markets in the state,” the PG stated further.

The PG however, lamented that some market chairmen are not living up to expectation in terms of the fund accruing to ASMATA from the market Internally Generated Revenue, (IGR).

Explaining further he disclosed that some market chairmen who have not remitted the fund accruing to ASMATA choose to be in enmity with him rather than to make such payment which is used to run the ASMATA Secretariat.

On the award (large portrait) presented to a property developer and icon in estate management, Archbishop Joseph Onyeka Nzekwesi, the ASMATA PG stated that it was based on the investment the Archbishop has put in sporting activities especially on traders’ sporting activities.

“He has on both first and second editions of ASMATA Traders’ Day celebrations sponsored sporting activities of the traders and pledged not to relent,” Anuna revealed.

In his response after the presentation of the award to him, Archbishop Nzekwesi said that as a lover of sports he will continue to invest in sporting activities of the traders.

He expressed satisfaction with Anuna for the able way he has been piloting the affairs of the traders adding that Governor Soludo did wonderfully well for having him to assist in the peace which has been restored in the markets across the state.

Among activities lined up and conducted during the celebration included, march past by ASMATA women wing, soccer by men,women, among others.

The ASMATA female team emerged winner of the sporting  tournament, while Nkpor New Auto Spare parts market clinched second position and Great Vanguard took the third position.