Jubilation As Anambra Govt Issues Certificate Of Autonomy To Market

By Julie Silvia, Onitsha

It was jubilation galore at Ajasa Market, Onitsha, Anambra State, weekend, as the state government through the Special Adviser to Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’, on Trade and Markets, Hon. Evarist Uba, issued certificate of recognition to the market as an independence market

To this end, all issues and crises between the market and a nearby market, Oseokwodu market, that has been at war over independence of Ajasa market, has been put to rest.

Consequently, the entire traders of Ajasa market, led by their chairman, Hon. Chima Ohia and treasurer, Mrs Ngozi Ezediniru, (a.k.a. Madam Black), in a sort of carnival, with band group, danced round the entire market streets, acknowledging cheers from traders who described them as fighters of over 80 per cent widows and petty traders in the market.

Fielding questions from newsmen as they danced, the Ajasa Market chairman, Hon. Ohia, said, “I am happy for two things today that have made us to go round the market. One is that we have been given certificate of recognition for the Independence of this market, by Anambra State Government.

“Another one is that we got third position in the soccer competition organized by Anambra State Amalgamated Traders Association, ASMATA, ably led by Chief Humphrey Anuna, for 82 markets in the state. We would have taken the first position.

“I commend Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo for the enabling environment he provided and I also commend him for picking Hon. Evarist Uba, Special Adviser on Markets and Trade, Uba has brought peace and progress to the traders in the state.

” I also commend the poor traders, most of who are widows and petty traders for their fervent prayers for freedom which has been actualized by the presentation of the certificate that indicates autonomy” he stated.

In her own speech, the treasurer, Mrs Ezediniru, expressed satisfaction with the double gifts she said were given to them by God.

“God has given us Joy and freedom after about two years of fighting between Oseokwodu and Ajasa Markets on freedom of Ajasa market. The leadership of Oseokwodu market that was there on appointment, forgot that it was not elected and as such has limitations but it threw the limitations to the will to fight Ajasa market.

“We however thank God for given us this certificate through Governor Soludo’, who then asked the Special Adviser on Markets and Trade, Hon. Evarist Uba, to do the needful. I will not forget the doggedness of the ASMATA President General, PG, Chief Humphrey Anuna, for his role for our independence.

“The Ajasa market is free now to move forward as all obstacles have been cleared. I commend our football team for making us proud by getting third position in the all traders soccer competition which our prize of #1million was presented to us by the governor himself.

“God will continue to keep him to continue in the good work he is doing in the state especially on roads as he presently has rehabilitated about 400 kilometers of road in less than two years,” she prayed.

Pic shows the traders dancing with chairman in the middle.