In his bid to create bustling economic activities in parts of the Council Area, the Mayor Umunneochi Local Government Area, Chief Sunny Afurobi, has commenced the construction of four Modern community Daily and Evening Markets.
The Markets are located at Ngodo Town, for Zone1, Mbala Town, for Zone 2, Ubahu Nneato, for zone 3 and Obiagu Lekwesi Umuchieze, for zone 4.
Addressing the elated people at different locations, Chief Afurobi, explained that the community based programme is aimed at engaging people in the rural communities in daily commercial ventures and as well bring night life activities in various communities while the evening markets operate.
According to him, each of the four markets will have about thirty (30) shops, Standard Borehole that will serve both the market and the public interest, Solar Street lights and Public Toilets
The Mayor assured that the standard will favourably compete with what is obtainable in the cities, and encouraged community leaders where the projects are situated to take ownership and ensure that the markets operate optimally.
He charged the Contractors handling the projects to work in accordance with the designs and Memorandum of Understanding, disclosing that he will visit the sites regularly to realize the expected goal.
Mayor Afurobi thanked the Governor, Dr Alex Otti, for approving the project and releasing funds for their take off, assuring that all funds for the market and other projects will be judiciously utilised.
The Council further appreciated the Governor for laying a solid foundation for the development of the state, and made it clear that his good works in every part of the state will speak for him and and make his reelection easier.
Taking over the Project Sites from the Mayor, the Supervisory Consultant and Contractor of the projects, Engr. Mike Eze, thanked the Government for considering them worthy of handling the projects and pledged to discharge their duties according to specifications.
While declaring that they would round off the project within two months, Engr Eze promised to engage the services of the host communities for Labour to endure maximum synergy between them and to guarantee adequate security and timely completion.
In their spechees at Orie Ngodo Market, the President General, Ngodo Town Development Union, Chief Onyekachi Emeh, and the Taskforce Chairman, Chief Divine Francis, appreciated the vision of Mayor Afurobi, pointing out that when completed, the popular Orie Ngodo will be expanded for greater opportunities.
In their separate remarks at Mbala, the President General Mbala Town Development Dr Chief Onyebuchi Ejim, the Councillor, Mbala Achara ward, Hon Chukwubiko Ofoegbu the President Mbezi Umuigwe Town Development Union, Chief Onyeze Henry Ike, and Chief Ike Orika, thanked the Mayor, Chief Sunny Afurobi, for choosing the old Aho Ajala market square for the project, and noted that when completed, it will bring life to both the Health Centre and their Town Hall already built within the premises.
At Ubahu Nneato, the Member representing Umunneochi in the House of Assembly and Deputy Majority Leader, Hon Mathias Umeh, the Traditional Ruler of Onuoga Okwe, Eze Emmanuel Azoro, the three Councillors, the President General, Ubahu Nneato, Elder J.I Iheonu, on behalf of Nneato town, all lauded Governor Alex Otti and Mayor Afurobi for their joint efforts in bringing development in Nneato land and other parts of Umunneochi, and promised to reciprocate these gestures.
Expressing their feelings at Mbara Amorji village square,in Obiagu Lekwesi, some of the community leaders, including Hon Ugochukwu Francis, the President General of Lekwesi Town Development Union – Engr Lawrence Ozoemelam, An Eze Elect of one of the communities – Chief Ikechukwu Onwuasonya, and a Traditional Prime Minister of one of the communities – Hon Chief Victor Eze, who could not hide their joy, thanked the Mayor, Chief Afurobi, for remembering their community in his market revolution and pledged their continued support to the Mayor.
While wishing him well, the people of the three communities benefitting from the Obiagu Lekwesi Market including: Ekenyi, Ikenga and Obiagu Autonomous Communities assured hom of their comprehensive solidarity and votes to the Governor come 2027.
The events featured the formal hand over of the lands from the donor communities and the flagging-off of the Market Projects.
