Market Remodeling: Otti Assures Traders They Won’t Be Shortchanged

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has officially launched the remodeling of the Ekeoha Market in Aba, assuring traders they will not be displaced or lose their original shops.

Speaking at the flag-off, Otti emphasized that the project is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and will be carried out in phases rather than immediately demolishing the market, as some traders had feared.

“I assure you, no one will be shortchanged—this is our collective project,” Otti stated. He highlighted the necessity of the project to prevent potential disasters and expressed gratitude that the market’s July 2023 incident did not result in any loss of life.

Otti also noted that the cost of acquiring shops might increase due to rising building material costs, but financial assistance would be available for those genuinely interested in purchasing shops. The new market will feature modern amenities, including CCTV cameras and regular power supply, to enhance the safety and comfort of both traders and customers.

While acknowledging traders’ concerns about the project’s costs, Otti urged them to consider the long-term benefits of the upgraded facilities, which will be significantly better and more modern than the existing structures.

Earlier in the week, a group of traders from Ekeoha Market, led by Chris Uruakpa and Tochukwu Oguguo, staged a peaceful protest at the Abia State House of Assembly in Umuahia. They expressed support for the remodeling but voiced concerns about potentially losing their shops or being priced out after the reconstruction.