Anambra market boss, Anuna, lawyer task stakeholders to expose illegalities

By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha

The President General of Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders’ Association, ASMATA, Humphrey Anuna, and counsel to the association, Humphrey Udechukwu have tasked stakeholders in the state to expose any illegalities found in their various markets.

Anuna and Udechukwu made this known while addressing over 200 stakeholders of the association during in a meeting that took place at the ASMATA secretariat Onitsha , Anambra State.

In their sperate speeches; Anuna said: “Harvest of Highly Resourceful Men and Women as Critical Stakeholders from All the Markets Across Anambra State,”

Anuna speech which was read by the Secretary, Macaulay Ekwe, highlighted that the leadership of the association, in collaboration with the state executives, had selected resourceful traders from markets across Anambra State to serve as the eyes and ears of the association in their respective markets.

He described the stakeholders as experienced, tested, and trusted individuals, chosen based on their positive track records and contributions to their markets, which have impacted the development of ASMATA.

According to Anuna, their elevation as critical stakeholders was a way to appreciate their efforts and motivate them to continue promoting development, not only in their respective markets but also by supporting government programs and policies in the State.

He listed the functions of the stakeholders to include; reporting undesirable elements and illegal activities in their markets to ASMATA’s office.

He reminded them that ASMATA may summon them anytime individually or as a group, alongside their market leaders, to address critical issues concerning the well-being of their markets.

Anuna added that the nominated traders would also serve as ASMATA ambassadors in their respective markets, cautioning them not to challenge their market leaders even as he advised them to avoid selfish interest even when faced with challenges.

Responding,, the association’s lawyer, Udechukwu applauded Anuna’s leadership role and initiative in coordinating traders, noting his deep knowledge of market leadership.

He urged the newly appointed ambassadors to respect their market leaders and cooperate with the ASMATA President General adding that lack of respect to leaders has been the bane of market and Igbo crises

“We have zero tolerance for As a gesture, he presented them with wrapper clothes, encouraging them to purchase and use these as the traders’ official uniform.

in the markets. Governor Soludo is working especially on roads and other infrastructures and we need to support him. If there is a crisis we have to settle it,”, he stressed.

Also speaking, the Secretary General of Onitsha Main Market, Emeka Boniface Okoli, applauded Anuna for his efforts in coordinating and consolidating Anambra traders.

Some market leaders and secretaries who praised Chief Anuna during the event included Chief Samuel Efurunwa, Chairman of Mgbuka Obosi Old Motor Spare Parts; Mr. Everest Ejezie, Chairman of Iron Rod Dealers, Atani Road; Mr. Wisdom Obasi, Secretary of Ogbaru Main Market; and Chidiebere Ibe, Chairman of New Parts, Owerri Road.

Among those inaugurated stakeholders who expressed their gratitude included, Sunday Ezemuo, Sam Njoku, Mr. Leonard Ume, and Sunday Nwaofor.