Urban Renewal: Gov. Otti flags off remodelling of Ekeoha shopping centre

By Editor, Umuahia

The reconstruction and remodelling of the biggest textile market in the south east geo political zone of Nigeria, Ekeoha shopping centre has been flagged off by governor Alex Otti despite clamour by some traders to drop the plan.

The governor on Thursday in the company of his aides and state and federal law makers carried out this assignment in Aba.

The governor in his speech, noted that the market was the oldest metropolitan market in the state which makes it imperative to fashion it better to serve a 21st century purpose

He said plans have been made to relocate the traders to another place once the remodelling commences, saying the remodelling will be done in phases.

The governor assured that no shop owner will be short-changed in the new arrangement even as the government will ensure that the developer follows specifications in the execution of the project.

Although no time was announced for the completion of the entire project, the governor expects that the impact of the process would not be too harsh on the traders.

Commissioner for Trade, commerce and industry, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu said the way the market has been planned to be will mean that upon completion, every trader would easily make sales with ease.

A federal lawmaker, Chief Ginger Onwusibe who unveiled the design for the flag off commended the governor for all his efforts in changing the face of the state.