Anambra: Shoe dealers commission Secretariat, vow to re-elect Gov. Soludo for 2nd term 

By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha

The Shoe Dealers Association, Ochanja market, Anambra state, at the weekend commissioned it’s newly built Secretariat and however, awards those who have contributed to the success of the association.

Commissioning the Secretariat, the Onitsha South Local Government area chairman,  Emeka Orji, commended the association for the building of the Secretariat and urged members to ensure payment of their stallage levies reminding them that it is from the money realized that the state government uses to develop the state.

He commended the executive of the association led by Ikechukwu Mbah and the entire members for achieving the feat, even as he pleaded to them not to relent in assisting to move the state forward, reminding  them that Governor Chukwuma Soludo should be voted for to continue his massive infrastructural development of the state.

Earlier in his address, the chairman, Mbah, disclosed that the association is one of the Unions in Ochanja Central market and traced the history of the association to when it was at Onitsha Main market shortly after the Nigeria/Biafran civil war.

“It later migrated to Amobi street in 1971 where they expanded from a building to streets around and on 11th January 2001, under the leadership of JA Otujeme, moved to Ochanja market along side two other neighbouring unions, ESDA and Rubber Footwears Association”.

He thanked God that today the association has grown and paid glowing tribute to those he said made the market what it is today that include, late  Damian Umeibe, late JA Otujeme, Michael Ezekwem,  Chibike Nwachukwu, Ikechukwu Ezeanya, Chijioke Okoli and himself, incumbent chairman, most of who received awards as “Grand patrons, patrons, advisers, and Excellent service award holders”.

“My leadership came as a child of circumstance where I had to step in through an election from my position as secretary, to lead the association out of the ravaging squabbles. I was mentored by High Chief Nwabueze Umeh on how to be the best in leadership.

“Among the advice is to take on tough decisions and his words were my strength, motivation and guidance and had assisted me immensely. We first rooted for peace by reconciling all aggrieved factions and minds,” he  disclosed.

Mbah listed his achievements to include, gernan flooring of all perimetre squres, culvert construction, rehabilitation of some dilapidated deckings, zink roofing, building of two VIP toilets, office, generator, ultra modern Secretariat building with hall, two offices, a mini hall, chairs and tables.

He described one of the recipients of the award, Nwabueze Umeh as a leader, motivator, dependable friend, generous giver and adviser to beat at all times and bestowed on him ‘Grand Patron’.

He also commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for giving them enabling environment to do business in and vowed that they will return him for second tenure with massive votes 

Mbah however disclosed that the association needs #25million to curtail their present challenges that include, procurement of solar power, empower artisans, office fans, musical equipments for prayers, among others 

Those that graced the occasion included, the Special Adviser to Governor Soludo on Trade and Markets, Evarist Uba, who commended the market chairman, Mbah and his executives for the commissioning of the Secretariat revealing that it was Nwabueze that made him to be here to witness the event.

The President General, Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders’ Association, ASMATA,  Humphrey Anuna, also commended the market executives for the commissioning of the Secretariat adding that it worths emulation.

Responding to the award presented to him, Nwabueze, said, “I am happy with the award and celebration, that is why they made me ‘Grand Patron, my assistance to them.The award is the highest in the association.

“I gave them support which made them to honour me, I constructed a big culvert here that worth more than #9 Million and I have the highest shipping company that ships wares to Ochanja market, Onitsha main market, Ochanja and others patronise us.

“On the 8 November gubernatorial election Soludo will be returned for second tenure because he achieved a lot. I am number seven in his campaign team in the state to ensure he wins,” he explained.

Also a chieftain in the market, Clifford Ilodiuba,  commended both the executive led by Mbah and the entire traders for the commissioning of the Secretariat.