By Uzo Ugwunze
It was jubilation galore as Anambra State Government, through the Special Adviser (SPAD) to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Trade and Markets, Chief Evaristus Ubah, sacked the Chairman of the popular Onitsha Main market, Anambra State, Chief Innocent Ezeoha, (a.k.a.Ezennia) and substituted him with Chief Chijioke Okpalaugo.
On arrival to Onitsha Main Market to assume duty, shortly after being inaugurated with other caretaker committee members, Okpalaugo was treated to heroic reception by the traders who embarked on jubilation galore.
As he was ushered into the Main Market secretariat scores of traders paid homage to him and pledged to give him massive support to enable him achieve his set objectives even as he pledged to better the welfare of the traders in the market.
His first port of call when he left the secretariat on an unscheduled familiarization tour, was the Main Market Police Station where he was welcomed by the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, (SP) Joy Chimdinma Ikpeama.
He told the DPO that his visit became necessary as he can not work in synergy with anybody without first talking about security and lauded the DPO for a job well done since she took over as the DPO of the Main Market Police Station.
Expressing satisfaction with his appointment, Okpalaugo explained that, “It is the worry to serve that made me to accept the offer as new chairman of Onitsha Main Market caretaker committee chairman. Everybody is happy today because God gave us victory, and you can’t work without security.
“We are to repair the damages of the previous administrations and I believe with the support of the traders we will achieve better result in line with the State Government target of batter welfare for the trader,” he stated.
Recall that during the inauguration at Awka, state capital, Chief Uba reminded the newly constituted committee of the significance of Main Market, describing it as the number one market in the entire state.
“Main Market is the heart of commerce in Anambra. Whatever happens in this market affects every other market in the state. If you have been found worthy to manage it, then you must live up to the responsibility placed upon you.” he stated.
On the committee members he warned them against any form of financial exploitation of traders, stressing that all levies must be government-approved and properly remitted into official accounts.
“No one should extort money from traders under the guise of representing the government. This administration is committed to the welfare of traders, and that’s why we are ensuring markets are free from illegal structures and obstructions, with clear access routes,” Uba said.
Contributing, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Barr. Chinedu Ike, charged the committee to work with traders to bring an end to the Monday sit-at-home in the market.
“We must do everything possible to bring our people back to work on Mondays. The sit-at-home has done more harm than good to our state’s economy,” Barr. Ike said.
The newly inaugurated caretaker committee members include, Okpalaugo Chijioke, chairman , Boniface Emeka Okoli, Vice Chairman. Chukwudi Omaliko, Secretary and Chibuike Francis Okosisi, assistant secretary.
Others were, Johnpaul Udorji, financial secretary, Kenneth Amakeze, treasurer, Emeka Onuike, Public Relations Officer, Arinze Onwuzie and Ikenna Nwabugwu, first and second Provosts respectively while Azubuike Nwanegbo, Precious Chukwudebelu, Chuka Ibekwe, Rose Muorah, Everest Nduka, Ameachi Obiajulu, and Grace uchegbu are committee members.