Our Correspondent
It was a memorable day for the people of Ward 4, Egbengwu, Nimo, in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, when the member representing Njikoka 11 State Constituency in the State Assembly, Hon Dr Jude Akpua, commissioned the newly refurbished Nkwo Oye Orji Market, a legendary market abandoned for many years due to moribund infrastructure.
Akpua, who built modern pavilions in the market, said it was part of his constituency project aimed at bringing development to the doorsteps of his constituents, as well as boosting their economy. The occasion also witnessed the empowerment of a hundred market women.
Akpua, the Deputy Majority Leader in the state legislature, also expressed the hope that the project, done under the Community-Choose-Your-Project Initiative of the State Government, which he said he was also implementing, would undoubtedly give the people of the area a sense of belonging.
In his address of welcome, the youngest Ward Chairman in Anambra State, Hon. Anthony Atupulazi, applauded Hon Akpua for what he described as Akpua’s unwavering commitment to the development of his constituency, even as he acknowledged that the commercial facility would foster the growth of local economy and improve the livelihood of the people of the area.
In a special way, the Ward Chairman thanked all the Ward IV party stakeholders, party executive and all the party faithful, for their support and commitment to the growth of the party in the ward.
A visibly elated Atupulazi said, ‘Today is not just about the opening of a physical structure; it is the celebration of empowerment, progress, and service. The establishment of Nkwo Oye Orji Market marks a milestone in the economic and social advancement of our community. It is a bold testament to what purposeful leadership, driven by passion for the people, can accomplish.
‘Nkwo Oye Orji Market has been moribund for over 35 years now but has now been resurrected. Hon. Jude Akpua has once again demonstrated that leadership is not a title but a commitment to action.
‘Through this market, he has provided a vital space for commerce, for livelihoods to flourish, and for our local economy to grow and thrive. We commend his foresight, dedication, and unwavering support to the development of our people.
‘I also can’t thank enough, Engr. Nnaemeka Oraka and Hon. Valentine Omile for their kind support for the accomplishment of this particular project. I also thank those that supported the event financially. May God bless you all.’
In their separate reactions, the Mayor of Njikoka Local Council, Hon. Barr. Chinedu Ononiba; APGA Vice Chairman Anambra Central, Chief Nduka Okoye; APGA Chairman Njikoka, Pharm. Chinedu Anaekwe; Councilor Ward 1V, Hon. Anayo Igbamma; Vice Chairman Egbengwu Development Union, Johnson Ezepue and Engr. Nnaemeka Oraka, all extolled Hon Akpua and dubbed him, “Mr Project” due to what they termed the numerous projects he had built across his constituency within the short period he had been in the State Assembly.
The people of the ward pledged to continue to support the APGA-led administration in the state under the leadership of Prof Chukwuma Soludo, and equally pledged to vote massively for him in the Guber Election of November 8.
The highlights of the occasion were the conferment of the award, “Mr. Project”, by APGA Ward IV Nimo; the commissioning of the 18 capacity stalls built by Hon Akpua which are powered by solar lights; empowerment of over fifty women by Chief Nduka Okoye to the tune of N400, 000; Mr Sunday Otugo, N100, 000; and Mr Ekene Obeleagu, Chairman of Egbengwu Brotherhood Union, EBU, N50, 000; and the donation of one million Naira to the market women by the Mayor of Njikoka, Hon Bar Ononiba; as well as the induction of four people into the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA.
The Chairman of the occasion, Rt. Hon. Sir. Pete Ibida, was represented at the occasion which was coordinated by Engr. Nnaemeka Oraka.
