Abia State governor, Alex Otti has said the government embarked on the reconstruction and remodelling of Ekeoha Shopping Centre, Aba to transform the centre to a 24-hour business hub.
Otti made the remark while flagging-off the project in the commercial city, yesterday, assuring the shop owners that none of them will lose his or her shop after the project was completed.
“We are interested in the growth and prosperity of our business communities and one of the fundamental efforts that must be made in this regard is to make the environment safe, secured and friendly,” he said.
“The project would be driven by public-private partnership anchored on a robust stakeholder-engagement and consultation framework. Our role in the venture is to protect the interests of the people.”
“Let me assure you, the government has taken very proactive steps to secure temporary accommodation for the traders who do their day-to-day businesses here,” he maintained.
Speaker of the state’s House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa, and the member representing Isiala Ngwa South/North federal constituency at the National Assembly, Ginger Onwusibe, speaking, lauded the government for the project.
In a remark, the commissioner for trade, commerce and industry, Chimezie Ukaegbu said on completion, the centre would open new business opportunities for the traders and serve as a catalyst to the development of the state.
In their respective speeches, the mayor of Aba South local government, Uche Nwogu, and the president of Abia State Market Traders Association, A E Udeigbo appreciated the government for the various projects it had embarked in the city.
In an address earlier, the developer of the project, Chinedu Onyeizu reassured of his commitment to transforming the centre to international standard with the required modern facilities within record time.
