We Will Achieve Better Result In Line With State Governments Better Welfare For Traders…..Okpalaugo
By Julie Sylvia, Onitsha
The New caretaker Committee Chairman of Onitsha Main Market, Chief Chijioke Okpalaugo has expressed his satisfaction over his recent appointment 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.
Expressing satisfaction at the Market White House immediately he was ushered in to the market in a heroic style to assume duty, disclosed that “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 better welfare for the traders” he stated.
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 point 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.
Recall that Anambra State Government, through the Special Adviser (SPAD) to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Trade and Markets, Chief Evaristus Ubah has sacked the Chairman of the market, Chief Innocent Ezeoha, (a.k.a.Ezennia) and substituted him with Chief Chijioke Okpalaugo.
Chief Uba during the inauguration at Awka, 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 Udeoji, 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, Amechi Obiajulu, and Grace uchegbu are committee members.
Pic shows Okpalaugo ( on white middle), being ushered into the market secretariat
