EKEOHA SHOPPING CENTRE ABA HOLDS 2026 OPENING PRAYER SUMMIT
Traders at the Ekeoha Shopping Centre, Aba, on Thursday, February 12, 2026, gathered in large numbers for the market’s Opening of the Year Prayer Summit, setting a spiritual tone for business activities in the New Year.
The solemn and spirit-filled assembly, held at the market’s popular Flower Pot Arena, recorded an impressive turnout of traders, stakeholders, elders and well-wishers who converged to seek God’s guidance, protection and prosperity for 2026.
Ministering at the event, the Guest Preacher, Rev. Ekejiuba Emmanuel Favour, Senior Pastor of Salvation Gateway Church, 37 Ozubulu Road, Aba, delivered what participants described as a powerful and prophetic message that held the congregation spellbound.
In a sermon themed “Jehovah Jireh,” he spoke extensively on divine provision, covenant relationship and obedience.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to minister, he said he was deeply honoured by the continued confidence the traders had reposed in him, noting that repeated invitations reflected deliberate trust in the grace of God upon his life and ministry.
He acknowledged past chairmen of the market and commended the current leadership under Comrade Emeka Okeke (aka MECON GLOBAL).
Drawing from Psalm 118:21–22, he observed that the stone rejected by the builders had become the chief cornerstone, praying for continued elevation for the leadership.
He also appreciated Rev. Chizoba Okorie, Rev. Emmanuel C. David and other members of the planning committee for their efforts in organizing the summit.
Taking his text from Genesis 22, the cleric explained that the name “Jehovah Jireh” originated from Abraham’s encounter with God on Mount Moriah, where Abraham was instructed to offer his only son, the child of promise born in old age.
He described it as one of the most difficult tests of obedience recorded in Scripture but noted that Abraham’s compliance attracted divine intervention.
He prayed that in every difficult situation confronting the traders, God would intervene on their behalf, declaring that whenever evil intentions arose against them, divine intervention would prevail.
He recounted how God halted Abraham’s hand and provided a ram caught in a thicket for the sacrifice, leading Abraham to name the place “Jehovah Jireh,” meaning “The Lord Will Provide.”
He prayed that in 2026, the traders would experience such encounters with God that fresh testimonies would burst forth from their lips, as God would reveal Himself anew in their lives.
Explaining further, he described Jehovah Jireh as a proclamation of provision and confidence in God’s capacity to sponsor every vision He gives.
According to him, whenever God issues an instruction, provision has already been made for its fulfilment, assuring the congregation that those who remain in God’s will can trust Him for sustenance.
He defined Jehovah Jireh as provision whose source transcends human explanation, noting that divine supply bears unmistakable evidence of God’s hand.
Citing the biblical account in Egypt where magicians acknowledged the “finger of God,” he prayed that the traders would receive blessings in 2026 that could not be attributed to any human benefactor and that even their adversaries would recognize the Lord’s doing.
The preacher further described Jehovah Jireh as inexhaustible supply, explaining that divine provision ceases only when the human capacity to receive is exhausted.
Referring to the widow with the jar of oil, he stated that the flow stopped only when there were no more vessels to fill, praying that God would enlarge the traders’ capacity to receive.
He emphasized that such provision operates on the platform of tested relationship and proven obedience, stressing that true riches in God’s kingdom are committed to trusted servants.
He clarified that true riches are not merely material possessions, noting that money can purchase comforts but cannot guarantee safety, peace or fulfilment. Rather, he described true riches as blessings accompanied by divine immunity and without sorrow.
On covenant relationship, he described covenant as the highest form of relationship on earth, through which wealth in God’s kingdom is accessed.
He explained that God tests individuals’ love, trust and obedience before entrusting them with resources that reflect Him as Jehovah Jireh.
Speaking on love, he observed that a person’s heart follows his treasure and cautioned against reducing God to a mere problem-solver.
He urged the congregation to cultivate sincere devotion and steadfastness in both favourable and challenging seasons.
On trust, he described Abraham’s experience as a test of faith and remarked that if God is the basket, one can confidently place all eggs in it, underscoring total reliance on God.
On obedience, he urged adherence to the Word of God above human traditions or philosophies, advising the traders to make Scripture the covenant basis of their relationship with God.
The cleric also commended ongoing reforms in Abia State under Governor Alex Otti, noting improvements in infrastructure, particularly road rehabilitation in Aba, which he said had significantly reduced travel time within the city.
Addressing traders affected by demolition exercises, he encouraged them not to despair but to walk faithfully with God in covenant, assuring them of divine sustenance.
He led prayers against what he termed “evil statistics,” declaring that the traders and their families would not be numbered among victims of accidents or untimely death in 2026.
He emphasized divine preservation and urged participants to affirm life, protection and victory throughout the year.
His prophetic declarations were met with resounding affirmations from the congregation.
In her remarks, Mrs. Uchenna Añumadu, Director of Commerce, who represented the Honourable Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Dr. Mrs. Salome Nkemakolam Obiukwu conveyed the Commissioner’s goodwill message to the traders.
She explained that the Commissioner was unavoidably absent due to official engagements but had delegated her to attend the programme.
She appreciated the guest preacher for what she described as a powerful and impactful message.
Drawing from biblical principles, she noted that ingratitude hinders divine favour and stressed the need to appreciate the progress recorded in the state by supporting the leadership through which, she said, God was fulfilling His purpose.
Delivering the Commissioner’s message, she stated that residents of Abia State were witnesses to visible developments under the administration of Governor Alex Otti (OFR), adding that within two years in office, notable transformation had occurred across various sectors, particularly in Aba and Umuahia.
She urged traders to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in ongoing voter registration and revalidation exercises. Those registered outside Abia State were encouraged to transfer their registration to enable full participation in future elections.
Mrs. Añumadu also appealed to traders to cooperate with their market leaders, noting their crucial role in implementing government policies.
She assured them that the office of the Honourable Commissioner for Trade and Commerce remains open to receive complaints, suggestions and constructive engagement from stakeholders.
In his address, the Chairman of Ekeoha Shopping Centre, Aba, Comrade Emeka Okeke, expressed appreciation to dignitaries and traders who participated in the summit.
He thanked the Director of Commerce for attending and prayed for her safe return.
He specially commended the market’s Prayer Committee for their fervent intercessions and prayed for their continued upliftment.
He acknowledged the presence of the Grand Patron, Chief Barth Azubuike Madubuko (JP); Hon. Ezinne Ada Obasi (JP), former Chairman of Ekeoha Shopping Centre; women leaders; zonal leaders; and the entire body of traders.
He noted that the women leaders had distinguished themselves, recalling commendations they received from the Hon. Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Dr. Mrs. Salome Nkemakolam Obiukwu during the Trade Fair at Osisioma Mega Mall in December 2025.
Declaring 2026 a year of breakthrough, expansion and unprecedented success, he urged traders to remain law-abiding and supportive of constituted authorities.
He encouraged sustained support for Governor Alex Otti, noting that the administration had continued to attract development to the state.
He emphasized the importance of obtaining and retaining PVCs in preparation for the 2027 elections.
He expressed gratitude to the Governor for his commitment to remodelling Ekeoha Shopping Centre, Aba to international standards, noting visible progress on the project and expressing optimism about the completion of the first phase.
The chairman urged traders to maintain peace and unity despite temporary challenges arising from ongoing construction.
He also emphasized cleanliness, urging traders to sweep front of their shops daily and dispose of waste properly.
He warned against blocking entrances or crossing demarcation lines, stating that defaulters risk penalties, including sealing of shops.
On civic engagement, he disclosed plans to invite the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) registration team to the market to facilitate voter registration to encourage active participation in the 2027 elections.
Addressing concerns over quit notices and rent increments in the market, he explained that such issues often stem from delayed payments. While appealing to shop owners to avoid frequent rent increases and eviction threats, he also urged tenants to fulfil their financial obligations promptly.
He assured traders that the leadership would review the matter to ensure fairness and harmony.
In a chat with newsmen, the Grand Patron and two-time Executive Chairman of Ekeoha Shopping Centre, Aba, Chief Barth Azubuike Madubuko (JP), appreciated the Guest Preacher for his powerful ministration. He prayed for greater strength and elevation for the cleric.
He observed that the annual prayer summit had consistently fostered unity, peace and business growth within the market and urged continued participation in subsequent editions.
Among other prominent personalities present was the first female Chairman of the market, Hon. Ezinne Ada Obasi (JP), who declared that 2026 would usher traders from “grace to grace” (Amara n’elu Amara).
She expressed gratitude for the progress recorded in the market and commended the sustenance of the prayer band she established during her tenure, noting that the spiritual foundation laid under her leadership remained intact.
She emphasized humility as the pathway to elevation and attributed her post-tenure accomplishments to divine grace, assuring traders that sincere service yields fruit in due season.
Encouraging women to embrace leadership and political participation, she described politics as a noble platform for societal transformation.
Drawing from personal experience, she urged women to remain courageous, focused and principled, stressing the importance of integrity and honour in public life.
The summit concluded with fervent prayers, testimonies and renewed expressions of faith for divine provision, favour, expansion and protection in 2026.
Offerings were taken, including donations to support the less-privileged within the market community, alongside the distribution of stickers sponsored by the chairman.
