Ubani market till date is the only market with many empty and vacated shops with no traders to accommodate it.
Imo Malaysian market is a popular market located at the boundary line between Abia state and Imo state. It was established by the former Governor of Imo State, Senator Rochas Okorocha during his regime as the governor.
Orie Ugba market is a child of circumstance which metamorphosed from an ordinary insignificant area market to a renowned market owing to the demolition of the main market at Isi-Gate. This led to influx of people to the market and today the market is one of the daily markets where people can get their food stuff and groceries around Umuahia. Foodstuffs are relatively cheap due to the fact that most sellers produce those products themselves.
The multi-billion naira modern market at Ubani- Ibeku with over 500 shops was constructed with all the necessary facilities and features that could match any market worldwide. This market was established to remove Isi-Gate market which was located at the center of Umuahia. Although it was difficult for the government to successfully push the traders out of the Isi-Gate market. The traders complained that the Ubani market was outside the city centre and would not attract massive patronage since it was located outside Umuahia. But, Senator Theodore Orji, the former governor of Abia State during his government set up a committee who ensured that the decision of the government was implemented and the traders were relocated.
The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu continued with the policy of his successor until barely three years of his first tenure in office when the situation changed, as trading and other commercial activities resumed at Isi-Gate and all the adjoining roads to the area. The roads where trading activities had returned are Umu-wire Road, Owerri Road, Warri Road, Abiriba Road, Niger Road, Eket Road, Crowther Road, Lagos Road, Club Road, Okpara Square among others.
Some traders who initially relocated to the Ubani market are complaining of lack of patronage and have locked up their shops at Ubani and have returned to Isi-Gate where shops and spaces are fought for by the traders because of the huge patronage of customers living in the central city.
The Government in order to get the people to go back to Ubani Market set up a task force committee which went about demolishing what was termed illegal structures and shops along streets. They also moved around, confiscating goods and wares of “stubborn” traders who refused to heed to the government’s directive but still didn’t succeed in pushing the traders to go to the main market.
The Ubani Market has still not been known as the standard main market. This is because some citizens are still not willing to leave the Isi Gate market.
Building Structures at the main market are being abandoned and are falling apart. The buildings are being overtaken by grass and reptiles. No matter the effort of the government the market is still struggling to stand on its own.
The buildings at the Ubani market were not built with quality materials to enable it withstand any kind of climate change. Even though, some buildings have not been occupied by any trader at all, the buildings are still getting dilapidated.
Mr. Stanley, a furniture maker, while speaking to newsmen said “since I came to this market I have barely sold any furniture here. I always had to bring my former customers who knew me from Isi-Gate to come and see my new shop.”
He also said “I have rented a new shop at ‘Umungwa-Onuimo market’ popularly known as Malaysian market so that people will be able to see my work. I have cupboards, dressers, bed frames, and so on, wasting at my shop in Umuahia. I don’t think the government is doing what is needed for this market to stand.” Traders blame the government for not establishing the market properly. They said that they were meant to move without money to support them.
Orie Ugba and Imo Malaysia markets were able to grow because of the demolition of the Isi-Gate market. The traders not wanting to go to Ubani because of the distance departed to markets closer to their home and which were affordable to stay at.
A Rice and Flour seller, Mr. Celestine, said that ‘I blame the government for the retardation of Ubani market. Many customers were not coming to Ubani as they were supposed to. They have not succeeded to chase the traders selling at the road side at Isi Gate to come to Ubani. We have Orie Ugba, Malaysia and Isi Gate to compete with.’ He continued by saying that there are so many shops that are not occupied by anyone but no one is willing to pay for such shops.
He advised that ‘the government should try and remove some of these markets especially the one at Isi- Gate, this will help bring customers to Ubani.’ It is unheard of that the main market will be the first sight to behold when entering the city, reason the government relocated it but the relocation is not working. Ubani market being the main market should be the centre for commerce. It should have all that is needed for it to be the main market.
Abia State Government should go back to the market and rebuild those structures that are falling apart. And then create a policy against selling in the heart of the town and make sure that the policy is followed.