By Uzo Ugwunze
The Caretaker Chairman, Bakery International Market Ogidi, Chief Chukwudi Ezeife has commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his prudent management, distribution and utilization of tax payers money in Anambra State saying that was the reason why traders in the market do comply in payment of tax without coercion.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the 2024 End of Year Prayers at Bakery Market Ogidi, Idemili North LGA Anambra State, Chief Ezeife said that traders in his Market seldom complain against payment of tax because they knew that tax payment was their civic responsibility adding that they see the effect of their tax money.
“My brother Prof. Soludo is doing well. Anybody who disputes that is blind. We relate well with the SSA to Governor on Markets, Hon Everest Ubah and the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association ASMATA President General, Chief Humphrey Anuna”.
“Our Governor has a listening ear that is why we traders readily comply with our tax payment because his governance is good to us”.
“Even people living outside Anambra State when they come into the state, they see the newly constructed roads, rehabilitated roads, new bridges, flyover and other ongoing projects. Soludo’s regime is the first time traders are willing to pay 100 percent Tax”.
The market leader who lamented about the economic meltdown experienced in country and high cost of goods said that if things improve by year 2025, the Bakery Market will be rebuilding their major entrance to give it a befitting outlook for an international market just like their Building Materials International Market Ogidi neighbors.
Moreover, the former PG Bakery Market, Chief Chudi Nwokediuko who led the traders to the new site appreciated God that over 85 percent of his dream for motivating the traders to the permanent site has been accomplished.
“Reasons why I insisted that we leave Onitsha to this place include inadequate space, multiple taxation, suppression from indigenes, uncontrollable revenue drive from every source. Today, those inconveniences are things of the past. Many of our apprentices now have space for their own business activities and many of them have become landlords,” Nwokediuko said.
Earlier in his homily, the Guest Minister, Rev Chinedu Agbakoba who spoke on the topic “Jesus in the boat of your life” admonished the traders that true success and riches comes from God through Jesus Christ. He urged them to accept Jesus as their savior and master for guaranteed peace and prosperity despite the storms of life.
Moreso, Market Evangelism Team/prayers Coordinator, Bro Cletus Anaebo thanked God for another successful year of ministry. He urged the traders to pray without season during the Christmas and New year periods for God’s guidance, provision, protection and mercy as they hope to continue their general prayers next year, 2025.