Ekeoha Shopping Centre Aba Holds Powerful End-of-Year Prayer

Ekeoha Shopping Centre Aba Holds Powerful End-of-Year Prayer

.Rev. Chimezie Michael Declares Open Heavens for Traders
.Ekeoha Chairman Hails Gov. Alex Otti’s Transformational Strides, Pledges New Pulpit

The ever-bustling Ekeoha Shopping Centre, in the heart of Aba—the commercial hub of Abia State—was transformed into a vibrant arena of worship, praise and intense supplication as traders gathered in their numbers for the annual End-of-Year Prayer, a spiritual tradition that continues to unite the business community and set the tone for a prosperous new year.

The prayer programme, themed “Jehovah Ebenezer,” held on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at the market’s popular Flower Pot, attracted a large crowd of traders, shop owners, artisans and invited guests.

They lifted their voices in thanksgiving to God for preservation and blessings throughout the year.

In his sermon, the Guest Preacher, Rev. Chimezie Michael of Grace is the Answer Ministry, Ogbor Hill, Aba, took his text from Luke 5:1–10.

His message was marked by electrifying prophetic declarations that resonated deeply with the traders. He proclaimed open doors, business expansion, divine protection and unprecedented breakthroughs in the coming year.

The atmosphere became charged as many traders, moved by the ministration, prayed fervently—dancing and shouting for joy as they received the prophetic words. Rev. Michael urged the traders to remain united, peaceful and steadfast in their relationship with God, stressing that “a market that honours God will never lack His favour.”

He cautioned against idolatry, spiritism and the use of charms in business and lamented that the destinies of many traders had been spiritually tied or blocked.

He recalled a chilling experience from a crusade he held at the Ekeoha Market Secretariat in 2006 about how a young trader’s destiny was manipulated by his former master through diabolical means, resulting in years of stagnation.

According to him, following the confession of his master and divine intervention, he later prospered tremendously, owning properties in Aba and doing international business.

At the climax of the story, Rev. Michael prayed that every force or individual blocking the progress of traders in Ekeoha Market would be destroyed in Jesus’ name.

He also offered special prayers for 14 persons, declaring that Jehovah Ebenezer would remember and exalt them beyond expectation.

Describing the programme as a homecoming after leaving the market over 20 years ago, the preacher expressed deep emotion at the massive turnout and strong faith of the traders, praying for God to reward and transform their lives, families and businesses.

Thereafter, the Public Relations Officer of Ekeoha Shopping Centre, Ichie Reginald Chilaka, announced the market’s end-of-year operational schedule.

He stated that the market would not open on December 25 and 26, but would reopen on December 27, close again on December 28 and 29, reopen from December 30 to 31, and finally shut for the year on December 31, to reopen on January 6, 2026.

He added that daily operations would run from about 8:00 a.m. to 4:30–5:00 p.m., depending on trader turnout.

He also informed traders that security personnel had been directed to search suspicious bags and cartons, urging cooperation in the interest of safety.

He further reminded traders of the ongoing promo by Rhino Homes Properties Limited, contractors handling the remodelling of the market.

According to him, the promo—running from December 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026—is for second-floor shops, with discounted prices for both existing shop owners and traders, after which prices would revert to normal.

Ichie Chilaka encouraged traders to attend the closing ceremony of the 2nd Aba Trade Fair at Aba Mega Mall on Sunday, December 14, 2025, in market or pro-government branded attire, to give Governor Alex Otti a rousing welcome and show solidarity.

In his address, the Chairman of Ekeoha Shopping Centre, Comrade Emeka Okeke, described prayer as the key that attracts God’s abundant blessings and urged traders to put God first in all they do.

He declared that even those who had struggled for years in the market would experience divine visitation for attending the prayer.

He appreciated Rev. Chimezie Michael for his powerful ministration, describing his presence as an honour and privilege, and pledged to replace the market’s old pulpit with a new foreign one.

He also commended the prayer committee for sustaining the annual programme.

Comrade Okeke expressed profound gratitude to the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti (OFR), for what he termed unprecedented developmental strides that have restored hope to Aba and its business community.

He highlighted the commissioning of the long-abandoned Port Harcourt Road, Aba, and praised the ongoing remodelling and modernization of Ekeoha Shopping Centre, which he said would greatly enhance the market’s functionality, aesthetics and security.

He reassured the traders that no demolition would take place until after the completion of the first phase of the project and emphasized that the governor’s intention was for every trader in the market to eventually become a shop owner.

He advised interested traders to visit the market secretariat for details on ownership and financing options.

The chairman also addressed issues of sanitation and security, urging traders to keep their surroundings clean and remain vigilant.

He condemned child hawking in the market, warning that defaulters would be handed over to the police, and encouraged parents to take advantage of the state’s free education programme.

He concluded by wishing traders a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, praying for safe journeys and divine protection.

The prayer session featured testimonies, healings, salvation, deliverance, special prayers and offerings for the sick and less privileged.

During special offerings, the traders danced joyfully to melodious praise songs, with many testifying that the annual event had become a source of spiritual renewal and encouragement.

They expressed optimism that with God’s blessings and continued government support, the coming year would usher in greater growth and prosperity for Ekeoha Market.

The event attracted numerous dignitaries, including Rev. Emmanuel C. David, Rev. Chizoba Okorie, Rev. Obike Ogba, Hon. Jude Osuagwu, and Comrade Okechukwu Onuh (Dutchman) among others.