On April 10, 2025, the Peter Mbah-led administration made significant strides in resolving longstanding market crises, as Hon. Dr. Chinedu Mbah, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Market Liaison, led the Governor’s Market Monitoring Team to Eke-Aku and Nkwo Ogbede Markets in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area (LGA). The visit, aimed at fostering peace and encouraging cooperation between traders and the market committee, saw jubilant reactions from traders and market leaders alike.
The visit began with a courtesy call on the Igbo-Etiti Local Government Chairman, Hon. Dr. Eric Odoh, who was ably represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Gugu Nnaemeka. In a warm reception, the Chief of Staff expressed full support for the Governor’s market reforms and assured the monitoring team of the local government’s cooperation in achieving the objectives set out for the markets. His pledge set the tone for the fruitful engagement that followed.
The team proceeded to the Palace of Okeife 1 of Amakaofia Ukehe Kingdom, where the team was warmly received by Igwe Ignatius Ojili, the traditional ruler. Igwe Ojili offered his royal endorsement for the Governor’s market reforms, emphasizing the need for unity between the traditional leadership and the traders in order to sustain peaceful coexistence and development in the markets.
At Nkwo Ogbede Market, Hon. Dr. Mbah addressed a large gathering of traders, delivering key messages from Governor Peter Mbah. These included a heartfelt thank you to the traders for their support during the election, a commitment to fulfilling the promises made in the Governor’s social contract, and an emphasis on important market regulations. Dr. Mbah urged traders to pay taxes properly through electronic payment systems, highlighting that such measures are essential for enhancing market operations and transparency. He also warned against the construction of illegal structures, which have been a source of tension in many markets.
The visit continued to Eke-Aku Market, where similar discussions were held. The traders, who had been at the center of a lingering crisis regarding the allocation of shops, expressed their relief as the crisis was put to rest during the visit. The SSA and his team engaged with the traders and the market leadership, addressing their concerns and providing reassurance that the Governor’s administration was committed to creating a more efficient, transparent, and equitable market environment. This direct intervention was praised by both the traders and the leadership, who expressed gratitude for the Governor’s active role in resolving the issues that had previously threatened market harmony.
With joy and jubilation, traders at both markets celebrated the visit, thanking Governor Mbah for his continued efforts in transforming the market landscape. Many traders expressed renewed hope that their needs would be met, citing that they would now adhere to proper tax payment channels and comply with market regulations, knowing that the state government had their best interests at heart. They also expressed a desire for continued support in tackling other challenges such as infrastructure development and security within the markets.
In an atmosphere of optimism and cooperation, Governor Mbah’s market reforms have clearly begun to make a tangible impact on the lives of traders and market leaders in Igbo-Etiti LGA. With Dr. Chinedu Mbah leading the charge, the Market Monitoring Team has become a crucial player in ensuring that markets in Enugu State operate more efficiently, transparently, and equitably for all stakeholders.
The day’s engagements not only marked a milestone in resolving key issues but also highlighted the Governor’s commitment to building a robust economic environment for traders, with a focus on peaceful coexistence, fair trade, and proper tax compliance.FOUNTAINCARE REPORTERS.
