Ariaria International Market Traders Elders Forum Inducts New Members
It was a moment of joy and splendour as the prestigious Ariaria International Market Traders Elders Forum (IDEE), Aba inducted new members into its fold.
The epoch-making occasion took place at the Ariaria International Market Traders Elders Forum Secretariat (Bakassi Park), Aba in an atmosphere of love, joy and conviviality under the distinguished chairmanship of Chief Chibuike Asika (aka Bishop), the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fenico Global Resources (Nig) Limited on Wednesday, September 13, 2023.
In his opening remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Chief Chibuike Asika ably represented by Chukwudi Obichukwu popularly known as Iboko thanked members of Ariaria International Market Traders Elders Forum for finding him worthy to chair the great occasion.
He commended them for coming together to chart a way forward in Ariaria International Market, Aba for the betterment of the traders, their teeming customers as well as the government of Abia State.
He lauded the present leadership and entire membership of the forum for their giant strides within a very short time of its existence and assured them of his continued support.
He congratulated the new inductees of the elite and highly disciplined Ariaria International Market Traders Elders Forum and urged them to abide by the rules and regulations of the forum and work assiduously to actualize its laudable objectives.
In a welcome address of the forum read by its secretary, Dr. Paulinus Obika (FICEM) he disclosed that the forum was formed in September 25, 2019 through the instrumentality of Simon Ihesicoma, Chief Sir Philip Dim and Chief Celestine Okafor.
Thereafter, they conducted election on October 6, 2020, which produced the following members to pilot the affairs of the forum namely Chief Celestine Okafor (Enyi) as chairman and his vice, Chief Sir Herbert Umelo (Melody).
Others are Dr. Paulinus O. Obika (secretary), Hon. Rowland Obilor Anyanwu (assistant secretary), Chief Ossy Anurunkem (financial secretary), Nze Godwin Ochulo (treasurer), Simon Ihesicoma (publicity secretary) and Nze Festus Dike (welfare) while the trustees of the forum include Chief Sir Philip Dim (Onodu Ugo 1 na Uga), Chief Christian Ohaga (Omeudo 1 na Attah) and Chief Augustine E. Okeke (Anaegbu Achalla, Onowu na Adazi Ani).
According to them, the forum, which was inaugurated on April 17, 2021 following an approval by the immediate past governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu comprises men and women of Integrity who have distinguished themselves not only in Ariaria International Market, Aba but also in other spheres of life outside the market.
The age limit for admission into the reputable forum is 60 years.
However, those below the age limit but have distinguished themselves in the market are admitted as members after thorough scrutiny by the screening committee.
Highpoints of the occasion was the induction of the new members and presentation of the Constitution of Ariaria International Market Traders Elders Forum to them.
It was a delight to behold as the new members of the highly respected forum filed out for induction in their resplendent uniform.
Some of the new inductees include Bro. John Ahunanya, Chief Ignatius Nwaihim, Chief John Anyikeme (John A), Chief John Onyeahialam, Chief Chris Iwueke, Chief Sir Linus Akpan, Emereonye Stanley (Chidi Imo), Ifeanyi Nwadike Mentus, Prince Ifeanyi Obi, Chief Ifeanyi Peter Ogamba, Chief Donatus Okafor, Sir Francis Obikere, Chief Emeka Oforedu, Duru Valentine (Sunval), Chief Ezeofia Kevin, Chidimodu Ebere Anthony, Nwachukwu John Kennedy (Oga na Master), Ifeanyi Nwaizugbo (Ideato), Ikenna Felix Agu (Fina), Chief Amaechi Ben Joshua, Sir Gideon Eziruike O among others.
Speaking after inducting the new members, the chairman of Ariaria International Market Traders Elders Forum, Chief Celestine Okafor, the managing director of Akpu Ogwu Trading and Marketing Company, Mmiri mara Ugo 1 of Umudioka, Enyi of Umudioka, Mmiri enwe iro 1 of Alaukwu and Agu neche ibe ya of Umuoma autonomous communities both in Abia State congratulated the new inductees on their admission into the prestigious forum.
He urged them to cherish their esteemed membership of the forum and shun anything that would tarnish their image or besmirch the reputation of the forum, which he said has distinguished itself as an exclusive and influential body in the market, nay, Abia State.
He pointed out the objectives of the forum such as the creation of a peaceful and conducive environment for business to thrive, giving of fatherly advice to the traders, the incumbent chairman and executive of the market as well as the local or state government.
He also reeled out the achievements of the forum within a short time of its existence such as restoration of sanity in the market and fostering of cordial relationship between the traders and government, building of a befitting secretariat for Ariaria International Market Traders Elders Forum, erection of pillars for the proposed building of a secretariat for Ariaria International Market Traders Association (AIMATA), Aba for administrative convenience and efficiency.
He restated their unwavering determination to remain a pacesetter in Ariaria International Market, Aba as well as in all the markets in Abia State.
He promised that they would leave enviable legacies in the market.
Chief Celestine Okafor rated Ariaria International Market Traders Elders Forum high in terms of popularity, discipline, integrity, achievements and appreciated the executive and entire members of the forum for their continued support.
He solicited financial support of the members of the forum, the entire traders, other well-meaning individuals and the government to enable them to complete some of its on-going projects.
He pledged their total support to the administration of Dr. Alex Chioma Otti (OFR) stressing that they are very proud of him for entrenching peace and good governance in Abia State.
He lauded Dr. Alex Otti’s giant strides in his first 100 Days in Office saying that he has performed creditably, especially in the areas of road infrastructure, prompt and regular payment of workers salaries, health, education, agriculture, security, trade among others.
He expressed optimism that with Dr. Alex Otti in the saddle things would get better in Abia State very soon.
He pledged their total support to the administration of Dr. Alex Otti and called on the teeming Ariaria traders to pay their taxes and other levies in the market.
The occasion was a huge success and ably compered by renowned master of ceremonies, MC Barry.
The attendance was unprecedented. The hall was over-filled with a galaxy of the members of the forum, the new inductees and their numerous guests, government officials and other notable personalities including the chief security officer (CSO) of Ariaria International Market, Aba, Comrade Chizoba Onyeukwu Marcelinus and Chief Taskforce of the market, Rev. Chika Esiolu.
It climaxed with great merriment.
At the end, the following personalities bared their mind on the occasion and other sundry issues including Dr. Alex Otti’s 100 Days in Office. Excerpts.
Hon. Rowland Obilor Anyanwu (Assistant Secretary, Ariaria International Market Traders Elders Forum)
I am very happy for the successful induction of our new members. It is not easy to be a member of our prestigious Ariaria International Elders Forum. I advise them to abide by the rules and regulations of our highly respected and disciplined Elders Forum. Some of our members came to Ariaria International Market, Aba in the 70s and are very conversant with the challenges bedeviling the market as well as in a better position to proffer solutions or advise the traders, the executive of the market as well as the government. Coming to the performance of Dr. Alex Chioma Otti within his first 100 Days in Office, I am happy and proud to say that we now have a good government in Abia State. He has made remarkable achievements in various sectors of the state within a very short time in office, especially in the areas of road construction and rehabilitation, security, health, education, agriculture, trade among others. He has also sanitized the state civil service by putting an end to the ghost workers syndrome and also ensured the prompt and regular payment of workers’ salaries on or before the 28th of every month. We are indeed very happy and optimistic that he would do well. Those who think that he is slow should understand that the huge mess left behind by past administrations in the state cannot be cleared overnight. So he is trying and we are proud of him.
Elder Godwin Onyekachi Emegharaibe
I am a stakeholder in Ariaria International Market, Aba and a member of Ariaria International Elders Forum.
We started this forum and our aim is to enthrone peace in Ariaria and I thank God that we have made tremendous impact in Ariaria International Market, Aba since inception till date. I am very happy for our new inductees. I want to remind them that we are responsible, respectful and highly disciplined. So I urge them to live up to expectations.
Prince Amaechi Joseph (MD, Joe Ben Int’l Trading Co. Nig. Ltd)
I am among the lucky people that were inducted today as members of the famous Ariaria International Market Traders Elders Forum. I am so excited. It is a thing of joy. Actually, I am not up to sixty years, which is the age limit for admission into the outstanding forum. But according to a popular Igbo adage, “If a child washes his hand well he would dine with elders. That is exactly what happened in my own case. After screening me, they saw something special in me and said that I am qualified to be a member of the forum. I love good things. If I want to join any group, first of all, I would want to know the people there and what they represent. So when I discovered that members of Ariaria International Market Traders Elders Forum are men of unimpeachable integrity, uncommon humility, peace-loving, caring and above all God-fearing, I made up my mind to join them. Now that I am a member of Ariaria International Market Traders Elders Forum I would contribute my own quota, intellectually, financially and otherwise to ensure that the forum continues to wax stronger. I call on my fellow new inductees to live up to expectations and avoid anything that would tarnish the reputation of the forum. Coming to the emergence of Dr. Alex Otti as the fifth democratically elected Governor of Abia State, we are so excited for his resounding victory in the 2023 governorship election. We have had a lot of damages in Abia State in the past 24 years. So it is too early to assess him in his first 100 Days in Office. Nevertheless, so far so good. He has tried in so many sectors of the state, especially road infrastructure, prompt and regular payment of workers salaries, security among others.
Hon. John Kennedy Nwachukwu (Oga na Master)
I am one of the new inductees. I like good things. I looked at the membership of Ariaria International Market Traders Elders Forum and I discovered that they are men of integrity, timber and calibre. I saw it as a special group that is why I decided to join them. They are also lovers of good things like myself and I promise to contribute my own quota to the advancement of the forum and betterment of the traders. We would ensure that we have good governance in the market at all times by making sure that the right people are appointed into leadership positions in the market so as to protect the interest of the traders as well as the government. Talking about Dr. Alex Otti’s 100 Days in Office I would say that it is exceptional because he does not make noise on social media, radio, TV or on the pages of newspapers and magazines. His good works speak for him. His 100 Days in Office is replete with remarkable achievements. As the saying goes seeing is believing. He has performed creditably, especially in the areas of road rehabilitation. He has done Umueze Road leading to Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, Shalom Way, Cemetery Road, Emelogu Road among others. And we know he would do more in the days ahead. His 100 Days in Office seems as if he has spent one year. We promise to support him in all ramifications in his bid to take Abia State to greater height.
John Chukwueloka Afunanya
I have been in this market for so many years now but I did not know that we have something like Ariaria International Market Traders Elders Forum until my friend encouraged me to come and join them. And since I joined them I have been so happy and it has made me to know so many people now. I believe it would have a positive impact in my life and business as well as more respect in the market. I am also highly impressed with Dr. Alex Otti’s 100 Days in Office. He has done so well within a very short time in office, especially in the areas of road infrastructure, security, health, education, agriculture, trade among others and we believe that Abia State would be better under his able leadership.
Comrade Chizoba Onyeukwu Marcelinus
(CSO, Ariaria International Market, Aba)
I am very happy to be part of the induction of new members of Ariaria International Market Traders Elders Forum today. I assumed office three months ago and by the grace of God we have reduced the incidence of theft in the market to the barest minimum. By the grace of God we are going to do more than we have done already. Security is not a one-man’s business or that of the government alone. It is a collective responsibility. We also launched our new uniform today and we promised to work assiduously to ensure that the market is adequately secured as well as to do our utmost to make sure that the security men under my watch are paid.
Rev. Chika Esiolu
(Chief Taskforce, Ariaria International Market, Aba)
I feel so delighted to be here. What is happening here today is a sign of unity and progress in Ariaria International Market, Aba. We will support them to actualize all their objectives, especially, in maintaining peace in the market so that everybody here would be happy.
As for Dr. Alex Otti’s 100 Days in Office, it is overwhelming. He has done much more than we expected. His 100 Days in Office is not noise-making. It is visible to all Abians throughout the state. It is so amazing. Go to almost all the streets in Aba and Umuahia you would see evidence of his 100 Days in Office. Seeing is believing and evidence is the end of every argument. I do not need to say much but in the years ahead, Abia State would be better than London through the efforts of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti. He came to liberate the state from bondage. He is God-send. He has tried within a very short time in office and we applaud him. We know by the grace of God, he would do more for the state in the days ahead.
