As Ogbaru Main market near Onitsha popularly called Relief market in Anambra State gets ready to elect a set of new leaders that will pilot the affairs of the market for the next four years come January 25, 2022, the incumbent Caretaker Chairman, Chief Ndubuisi Ochiogu (Obataifeadi), immediate past President, Chief Dr. Victor Nwawuzie (Akirika) and Chief David Obidike (Onwa) have embarked on final electioneering campaigns to seek the support cum votes of traders in the market.
Addressing supporters in his campaign rally at the market, Chief Ochiogu stressed that within a year of being in office at a caretaker capacity he has achieved more than his predecessors.
“On security: Since I came in January 1, 2021 no single burglary has been recorded and about 12 thieves have been arrested unlike before, adding that he procured and mounted fire extinguishers at strategic places in the market as a preventive measures which was very helpful in arresting the recent fire outbreak. On electricity, “I restored light in the market and also installed solar powered lights which ensures light from 7pm till dawn daily to aid securitymen and those loading or offloading late”.
“Rehabilitation of pipeborne water and the market administrative hall, stressing that he has renovated the Market Office and resuscitated borehole donated by Governor Peter Obi reticulating the water to strategic places. Ultimately, I restored peace in the entire market, said Ochiogu.
According to Chief Nwawuzie Akirika who is campaigning for a second term,” Good leadership speaks for itself. I engaged in both massive infrastructure and human development. I directed my treasurer then, Ambassador Sunday Ezunu (Abiola) who is also contesting for the post of Treasurer to open a Ogbaru market association account at Heritage bank which was the first of its kind where we saved millions of naira used in German flooring all the major lines in the market excepting the major which will be my first assignment if elected”.
“Before my first election into office and because of my love for God, I roofed the market prayer arena so that rainfall does not distabilize traders during general prayers. I also opened a website for Ogbaru main market which showcase our market to the outside world. Now over 150 persons have become direct importers as beneficiaries of the contacts and internationally sponsored tradefair we do have at Dubai and Italy. My vision is to translate local traders into international businessmen”.
“I Akirika of Ukpo attracted a 500 kva transformer to replace the smaller one to restore light during my first tenure. I will do more. I will paint the whole market with one colour to upgrade it to international market status”, said Nwawuzie.
Moreover, Chief Obidike who said he had contested for the chairmanship position for three times based his campaign promises on the fact that traders should vote for him since he has not tested the seat promising to do better than previous leaders.
Also, Hon. Julius Ajuro Ozeh (Uloenu) aspiring to be voted in as Secretary for a second term said: “I am the right service lane at your door step. I am the only executive who comes to market as early as 7.30am and is willing to help any traders who encounter any trouble that requires assistance at the Market administration office. I worked with Nwawuzie to make many traders importers today through international trade fair sponsored by foreign countries we go via our website”.
Another aspirant for post of Treasurer, Ambassador Sunday Ezunu (Abiola) who worked both with Nwawuzie and Ochiogu said that under his watch relief market realized IGR, saved and carried developmental projects with fund opening the eyes of traders that revenue in the market squandered by past leaders before 2016 could better the market and traders alike.
“We procured over 400 plots of land at Oba airport and second Niger Bridge to ensure that poor traders could become landlords at give away prices. As line Chairman, I was first to roof our line, install cable television and fan for traders in my line at relief market”, said Ezeuhu.
They were all seeking for support and votes from fellow traders claiming that they have more work to do for the traders if elected into office.