By Marvelous Ezenwa, Awka
The outgoing Mayor of Anaocha Local Government Area, Hon. Romanus Ibekwe, has commissioned and officially opened for business a new building materials market and his last project which is comprising 255 shops at Nkwo Agulu in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State which will contain both timber and building materials.
The commissioning marked another major project completed under the Ibekwe administration as he prepares to bow out as Chief Executive of the council area. The ceremony attracted prominent sons and daughters of Anaocha, who gathered to witness the event and bid farewell to an administration that several speakers described as historic.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ibekwe said the market represents the beginning of the fulfilment of his vision to transform Anaocha into a major economic hub. He attributed the achievement to the support of the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, noting that the new market was built to international standards with the necessary facilities to provide a conducive environment for buying and selling.
Ibekwe urged traders operating at the Nwagu-Agulu building materials area to relocate to the newly commissioned market, stressing that they should not wait until government is compelled to enforce the relocation before moving to the new facility.
In his remarks, the outgoing Deputy Mayor of Anaocha, Barr. Peter Emeneh, who hails from Agulu, commended Ibekwe for translating his administration’s “Greater Anaocha Is Possible” vision into concrete projects. He said the achievements recorded under the administration had positioned Anaocha to contribute to the state government’s vision of developing the area as the state’s fifth urban economic belt.
Also speaking, the President General of Agulu People’s Union (APU), Sir Emmanuel Ibeneme, represented by the Second Vice President, Hon. Nnaemeka Chiekelue, commended Ibekwe for his efforts toward protecting the lives and property of traders and residents at the former Nwagu building materials area. He said the establishment and commissioning of the new market at Nkwo Agulu was an important step toward providing a safer and more organised environment for business.
The Chairman of the Building Committee, Nkwo Agulu Building Materials Market, and Chairman of Nkitaku Welfare Association, Mr. Ekene Emegwamuo, thanked God for the completion of the project and commended Ibekwe for demonstrating the commitment and determination required to turn his vision for Anaocha into reality.
The commissioning of the 255-shop complex adds to the list of projects initiated and completed by the outgoing administration as it concludes its tenure in Anaocha Local Government Area.
