Anambra Government Inaugurates New Caretaker Committee For Main Market, Onitsha
By Ebele Iyke Odili/Amaka Isikala
Anambra State Government has inaugurated a new caretaker committee to oversee the administration of Main Market, Onitsha, Onitsha North Local Government Area.
The government is doing this through the Office of the Special Adviser (SPAD) to the Governor on Trade and Markets, Chief Evarist Uba.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held in his office in Awka, Chief Uba reminded the newly constituted committee of the significance of Main Market, Onitsha, 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.”
Chief Uba emphasized that membership of the caretaker committee was reserved strictly for traders within the market, to ensure that those who feel the pulse of the market directly are the ones managing its affairs.
“Only he who wears the shoes knows where it pinches. You are to manage this market on behalf of both the government and the traders. When the two interests align, peace and progress will follow,” he noted.
He warned the committee members against any form of financial exploitation of traders, stressing that all levies must be government-approved and properly remitted into designated 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.
Chief Uba also directed the committee to hold regular meetings with the zonal chairmen within the market to prevent monopolistic leadership styles witnessed under previous administrations.
He spoke on exercising government’s authority to dissolve any leadership that fails to comply with existing laws and market regulations.
The S.A. further issued strong warning against unapproved political activities within the market.
“This is an election year. No political campaigns should hold within the market without the express approval of my office,” he cautioned.
Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Barr. Chinedu Ike, charged the committee to work with traders to end 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 is chaired by Okpalaugo Chijioke, with Boniface Emeka Okoli as Vice Chairman, Chukwudi Omaliko – the Secretary, to be assisted by Chibuike Francis Okosisi.
Others are, Johnpaul Udorji (Financial Secretary), Kenneth Amakeze (Treasurer), Emeka Onuike (Public Relations Officer), Arinze Onwuzie and Ikenna Nwabugwu (First and Second Provosts).
The committee will be assisted by Azubuike Nwanegbo, Precious Chukwudebelu, Chuka Ibekwe, Rose Muorah, Everest Nduka, Ameachi Obiajulu, and Grace Chigbo as members.
In his acceptance speech, the new Chairman, Okpalaugo Chijioke, expressed gratitude to the state government for the confidence reposed in the committee.
“We are grateful for this opportunity to serve. We promise that the light entrusted to us will never go out. We will do our utmost possible best to ensure that the Main Market remains a shining example of order, progress, and effective administration,” he assured.
The inauguration marks a renewed commitment by the state government towards ensuring efficient market management and support for Anambra’s commercial hub.
