Eziukwu Road Market Aba Holds Certification Ceremony in Grand Style

Eziukwu Road Market Aba Holds Certification Ceremony in Grand Style
…Gov. Alex Otti Presents Awards to Chief Sir Jonathan Oguejiofor, others

It was a night to remember in the history of Eziukwu Road Market, Aba as the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti (OFR) presented certificates and prestigious awards to the chairman, Stakeholders of Eziukwu Road Market, Aba, Chief Sir Jonathan Oguejiofor, JP (Nwakaibeya, Oraifite, Omeudo 1 of Abaukwu) and other notable personalities including Ide John C. Udeagbala and Chief Greg Okafor at a well-attended Certification Ceremony of the grand patrons and stakeholders of Eziukwu Road Market, Aba.

The colourful occasion held at Aba Sports Club (1926) on Thursday, October 12, 2023 under the distinguished chairmanship of Ide John C. Udeagbala, the immediate past president of NACCIMA and Managing Director of Udeagbala Holdings.

It attracted the presence of who-is-who in Abia State, top government officials, captains of industry, traditional rulers including the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, wife of the Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, the Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, the Deputy Speaker, Austin Nmeregini, Rt. Hon. Emeka Nnamani, member representing Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency and his Ikwuano Umuahia/Federal Constituency counterpart, Rt. Hon. Obi Aguocha, Sir Lawrence Obetta (vice chairman of the occasion), President of Aba Sports Club, Chief Greg Okafor (Owelle), Ceekay Igara (state chairman of Labour Party) to mention but a few.

The epoch-making occasion was hosted by the chairman of the Interim Management Committee of Eziukwu Road Market, Aba, Chief Alphonsus Udeigbo, the entire executive and stakeholders of the market.

In his welcome address, Chief Alphonsus Udeigbo expressed profound gratitude to God for making it possible for them to host the occasion and appreciated the mammoth guests.

Chief Alphonsus Udeigbo eulogized the Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti (OFR) for gracing the occasion despite his tight schedule that day in company of his wife, Priscilla, members of the state executive council and other distinguished personalities from far and near.

He thanked Dr. Alex Otti for finding him worthy to pilot the affairs of the market as well as for appointing one of their own, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu as Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Industry.

He lauded Dr. Alex Otti for reconstructing the impassable Cemetery Road, Aba leading into Eziukwu Road Market, Aba as well as for flagging off the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road, Aba adding that their joy knows no bound because of his uncommon gesture.

He congratulated Dr. Alex Otti on his resounding victory at the State Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Umuahia describing his mandate as divine.

He explained that the appointment and inauguration of a 22-member Interim Management Committee of Eziukwu Road Market, Aba is to regulate the market operations aimed at enhancing smooth transactions between the traders and their teeming customers as well as to protect government interest in the market.

He described the presentation of certificates to the grand patrons and stakeholders of Eziukwu Road Market, Aba as a call for greater service and charged them to show more commitment to the enthronement of peace and progress in the market instead of using their position to victimize anybody or perceived enemies.

He assured Dr. Alex Otti of their total support to his administration and urged the traders to pay their taxes and other approved government levies.

Earlier in his speech, the Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Industry, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu congratulated the leaders of the market on the certification ceremony of grand patrons and Stakeholders of Eziukwu Road Market, Aba.

He said that the award was in recognition of their immense contributions to the growth of the market over the years and an impetus to do more.

He disclosed that the state governor, Dr. Alex Otti has the interest of traders in the state at heart and holds the grand patrons and stakeholders of Eziukwu Road Market, Aba in high esteem adding that it was the reason he appointed a trader as the Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Industry.

He gave the present administration of the state ably led by Dr. Alex Chioma Otti kudos for the tremendous transformations of various markets in the state to ensure ease of doing business as well as to attract more patronage both locally and internationally.

He disclosed that the state government was able to secure a very important deal at the just-concluded Trade Fair held in Abuja to supply made-in-Abia products to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

He lauded the monumental achievements of Dr. Alex Otti’s administration within a short time in office adding that he would take Abia State to greater height.

Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu thanked the executive and entire traders of Eziukwu Road Market, Aba on behalf of the state executive council for organizing the great occasion and promised to keep on supporting all the markets in the state.

In his speech, the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti (OFR) thanked all those present for gracing the occasion.

He said that it would not have been possible for him to attend the occasion if not for the great love he has for Abia markets considering the fact that he was busy throughout that day with the flag off of the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road, Aba.

Dr. Alex Otti recalled his campaign promise to reconstruct Port Harcourt Road, Aba if he emerged the winner of the 2023 governorship election in the state adding that after his declaration as the winner of the election by the grace of God that he has come to fulfill his promise to the people of Aba and the entire state.

He said that the contract was awarded to Julius Berger at the cost of N30 billion because Aba deserves nothing but the best and assured that the project would be completed in September 2024.

He urged all and sundry to contribute their own quota to the development of Abia State.

He said that he has not taken salary since he assumed office stressing that he does not need salary.

He pointed out that he has paid workers’ salaries without let or hindrance since he assumed office.

He told the people to banish clannish sentiments of state of origin, indigenes and non-indigenes stressing that all the people in Abia State are one irrespective of where they come from.

Governor Alex Otti stated that no human being is infallible and admitted he too can make mistake.

However, he said that his own mistake would not be a mistake of the heart but of the head and urged the people to draw his attention so as to correct it emphasizing that he is not ashamed of correcting his mistakes even if it means correcting it severally because “If I am working for you and you are not happy then I am are not working”, he said

He dropped the hint of making Ide John C. Udeagbala the Mayor of Aba.
The disclosure drew resounding ovation.

He also said that Chief Ogba Onuoha (Bourdex) would be made the Mayor of Ohafia as well as some retired army generals adding that by the time they sit down and finish discussing how to develop the seventeen local government areas and the entire state people would marvel the height he would take Abia State.

Highlights of the occasion were presentation of certificates to the grand patrons and stakeholders of Eziukwu Road Market, Aba and cutting of the victory cake to celebrate Dr. Alex Otti’s resounding victory in the 2023 election as well as his recent victory at the State Election Petition Tribunal sitting at Umuahia.

Some of those who received certificates from the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti included the chairman, Stakeholders Forum of Eziukwu Road Market, Aba, Chief Sir Jonathan Oguejiofor (JP), Ide John Udeagbala (grand patron), Onyekachukwu E. Udeaja (Mmirimaraugo of Nnewi, grand patron), Sir Obi B. Dike (grand patron), Chief Sir B. N. Igwe (Ogbuefi Nnanyelugo, grand patron), Chief Sir Patrick Ezeukwu (Ezennayereugo of Ukpor, grand patron), Sir Celestine Okeke, KSJI (grand patron) among others.

The occasion was a huge success and climaxed with great merriment.

At the end, the following personalities bared their mind on the occasion and other sundry issues in a chat with newsmen. Excerpts.

Chief Alphonsus Udeigbo (Kpakpando Ihembosi)

I am the chairman, Interim Management Committee of Eziukwu Road Market, Aba as well as the chairman of all chairmen of Aba Markets. What happened here today was so captivating. The certification ceremony of grand patrons and stakeholders of Eziukwu Road Market, Aba was supposed to be done by us. But the state government came and did it for us. So we are very happy and full of gratitude to the Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti (OFR) for finding time out of his busy schedule to be part of what we did. The ceremony has come to stay by the grace of God.

As the saying goes: ‘To whom much is given much is expected’, I urge the newly-certified grand patrons and stakeholders of Eziukwu Road Market, Aba not to disappoint the confidence reposed in them.

Again, we are so happy today following the flag off of the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road, Aba by Dr. Alex Chioma Otti. Governor Alex Otti’s mandate is divine.
God really sent him to come and alleviate us from untold hardship in Abia State. They denied him victory in 2015 and 2019 elections. And if he had won in 2015 people would have said that is how governance is. But now the difference is clear. What other governors could not do in twenty four years he has done in his first 100 Days in Office. That shows that before the end of his first term, Abia State would be the pride of the nation and home for all. We will allow him to govern us for sixteen years. We will go to the National Assembly to campaign for the amendment of the constitution to sixteen years so that he would continue to govern Abia State.

Chief Sir Jonathan U. Oguejofor, KSA, PNM,JP
(Nwakaibeya Oraifite, Chairman, Ezimata Stakeholders Forum, member, Alternative Dispute Resolution of Nigeria)

I was born and bred here in Aba, precisely at No. 1, Onyike Street by 84 Port Harcourt Road, Aba about sixty something years ago.

I am very happy today because I was honoured by the Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti (OFR) as the Chairman of Eziukwu Road Market, Aba Stakeholders Forum.

l wish to use this medium to heartily congratulate the 66th President of Aba Sports Club 1926, Chief Greg Okafor and Chairman of Oris Group (Owelle), the immediate past President of NACCIMA and Managing Director of Udeagbala Holdings, Ide John C. Udeagbala who was pronounced the Mayor of Aba inside Aba Sports Club hall that day by the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, Chief Onyekachukwu E. Udeaja (Mmirimaraugo of Nnewi), Chief Sir B. N. lgwe (Ogbuefi Nnanyelugo) and others who were made grand patrons of Eziukwu Road Market, Aba.

My special thanks go to the Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Industry, Dr. Chimezie lsaac Ukaegbu and the chairman of Interim Management Committee of Eziukwu Road Market, Aba, Chief Alphonsus E. Udeigbo (Kpakpando lhembosi) for facilitating and executing the epoch-making event in the history of Eziukwu Road Market, Aba.

We will continue to support Dr. Alex Otti’s administration.

We will not disappoint the people of Abia State as well as the traders of Eziukwu Road Market, Aba.

The certification ceremony was a huge success as well as the flag off of the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road, Aba, which took place earlier the same day. The event was historic and the first of its kind in the history of Abia State. Past administrations in the state abandoned the road for over two decades. As I said in one of your interviews with me on Dr. Alex Otti’s 100 Days in Office, I think going by what Dr. Alex Otti has done in his first 100 Days in Office, Abia State would be like London when he must have completed his first term. For the first time in the history of Abia State Julius Berger (Nig.) Limited was awarded a road contract. Dr. Alex Otti has broken the jinx. I heard people saying that he would remain in office for sixteen years because they are very happy with him. A lot of people have died because of Port Harcourt Road, Aba. My brother what I am telling you is the truth. It is no exaggeration. It is a reality. Some people died of stroke. Some people left this Aba even Eziukwu Road Market because of the terrible condition of Port Harcourt Road, Aba. So Dr. Alex Otti has done well and I pray that the grace of God would be upon him and continue to protect him and his family, members of the state executive council and all his advisers.
I appeal to all the traders of Eziukwu Road Market, Aba to pay their tax. I have paid my own, the chairman of Eziukwu Road Market, Aba Interim Management Committee, Chief Adolphus Udeigbo has also paid his own because we have seen what Dr. Alex Otti has done so far. So I encourage every trader in the market to support the present administration in the state. We appreciate what Dr. Alex Otti is doing and I believe in Dr. Alex Otti. He would do more and more for the state and that is my prayer.
May I on behalf of the grand patrons and stakeholders of Eziukwu Road Market, Aba appreciate all those who through their physical presence, prayers and otherwise identified with us during the certification ceremony and presentation of certificates to us by the Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti

Ide John C. Udeagbala
(Managing Director, Udeagbala Holdings)

I am grateful to God for the award presented to me today as the grand patron of Eziukwu Road Market, Aba by the performing Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti (OFR). The governor said that more awards mean more work. And I feel that I can do more work for the people of Aba and Abia State. Coming to the flag off of the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road, Aba,
I thank God that I am alive to witness the historic event. I am an Aba boy. I was born and bred here. The slogan of Dr. Alex Otti that help is here is indeed true. I have relatives and friends at Port Harcourt Road, Aba. A lot of people living there have died out of frustration. Buildings were broken or demolished without payment of compensation and so many businesses collapsed for over twenty years. So this would bring succour to the people. It is the beginning of so many good things to come to Abia State. So today, we are very happy that hope is rekindled and it is good to be alive to witness it. Dr. Alex Otti has goodwill, which you cannot quantify in monetary terms. So I am very sure that the project would come to pass. He confided in me that by Monday fifteen percent would be paid to Julius Berger. The governor is controlling the finances of the state. He is not earning any salary and there is no sharing of money. Remember, when he assumed office he stopped courtesy visit so that he would concentrate. He does not want to give anybody any money. He is gradually paying salaries. He is cutting the cost of governance and that is what is helping him including his pedigree and goodwill, which you cannot quantify in monetary terms. God has remembered us under Dr. Alex Otti’s administration and we are going to witness more dividends of democracy. Abians should pay their taxes and support the task of building a new Abia State by the present Labour Party (LP) government ably led by Dr. Alex Chioma Otti.

Chief Dr. Christian Epuna, JP (Akuruo Ulo 1 of Oraifite)

I came all the way from Lagos because of the occasion. When I landed at the airport, I called Chief Sir Jonathan Oguejiofor (JP), the chairman, Stakeholders Forum, Eziukwu Road Market, Aba and he told me to start coming straight to Aba Sports Club, venue of the epoch-making occasion. The ceremony was so wonderful and worthy of emulation. I charge those who were presented certificates as grand patron and stakeholders of Eziukwu Road Market, Aba to see it as a recognition of their effort and an encouragement to do more. Coming to the present administration of Abia State, I think the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti (OFR) has shown uncommon capacity in his unwavering determination to transform Abia State and we are very happy about it. With him in the saddle things would be better in Abia State. When I was travelling I passed through MCC Road, Aba. It was full of potholes but when I came back I was surprised that the road has been fixed. So what I want to tell the people of Abia State is to sheathe their sword because Dr. Alex Otti is going to surpass their expectations. The flag off of the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road, Aba today is indeed an eloquent testimony of so many good things to come to Aba and the entire state.

Atas Wellington Ndubuisi

I am so happy for the certificate presented to me today as one of the stakeholders of Eziukwu Road Market, Aba. We are solidly behind the performing Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti in his commitment to building a new Abia State. I wish him God’s protection, wisdom, courage and strength as he pilots Abia State to greater height.

Chief Sir Edmund Okoye
(Ochiagha 1 na Ogboji, Chinyereugo)

I came to Aba in 1971 and since then I have been a trader till date. We are excited with what Dr. Alex Otti has done in the state within a very short time in office. This is the first of its kind since after the administration of the late Chief Sam Onunaka Mbakwe, the Governor of Old Imo State. Julius Berger has never entered Abia State. It is either that they are going to Port Harcourt or Akwa Ibom State. If Dr. Alex Otti sustains the hypersonic tempo of his developmental strides in the state, Abia would turn to a mega city before the expiration of his first tenure. We have not experienced this type of thing before in the state. I wish him long life and good health.

Dr. Mike Ikenaku
(Medical Director, Bethel Hospital, Aba)

When I returned from overseas in 1984, Port Harcourt Road, Aba was the place to be and I decided to settle there. Both my residence and hospital were at Port Harcourt, Aba. Crystal Park Hotel was the best in town then. I did not know of any GRA in Aba other than Port Harcourt Road. But sadly, as time passed by it started going down. Businesses began to fold up. It was a sad experience. Several administrations came and went and we continued to hope against hope and nothing went well. For almost thirty years we hoped that Port Harcourt Road, Aba would be reconstructed to no avail to the extent that it turned to a bush. So it was a sad experience. But there was jubilation everywhere when the news that the contract has been awarded to Julius Berger began to spread, especially those of us who are still remaining in Port Harcourt Road, Aba. It is sort of life coming back into us again. If this comes true, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti (OFR) would be held shoulder high above all others. With the way I am seeing him there is a big hope that light has come into Abia State and we shall all rejoice and those people who left Aba would start coming back. I have already started hearing them saying that they would come back. And I know Immediately Port Harcourt Road, Aba is completed, the adjoining roads would be done too. In fact, when other people were deserting Port Road, Aba, a lot of my patients, though poor people were still there and they were begging me not to leave them. You would not believe that one of my patients delivered inside mud at Uratta before she was brought to my hospital with her baby and we resuscitated them. I made attempt to come out but still I was getting few patients from here to keep me going. So I said I would see the end of it. When the immediate past administration came on board, I thought a deliverer has come. But behold our hope was dashed. So we give kudos to Dr. Alex Chioma Otti for breaking the jinx this time and all of us would be alive to witness the completion of Port Harcourt Road, Aba.