Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has announced the government’s initiative to reconstruct and remodel the Ekeoha Shopping Centre in Aba, with the aim of transforming it into a 24-hour business hub.
Speaking at the project’s flag-off event in the commercial city yesterday, Otti assured shop owners that their businesses would remain secure throughout and after the project’s completion.
“We are committed to fostering the growth and prosperity of our business communities. One of the key steps in this direction is ensuring that the environment is safe, secure, and business-friendly,” Otti stated. He highlighted that the project will be driven by a public-private partnership model, emphasizing that it will be anchored on robust stakeholder engagement and consultation.
“Our role in this venture is to protect the interests of the people,” he added.
Governor Otti also reassured the traders that temporary accommodations have been secured for those who conduct their daily business at the center during the reconstruction.
“The government has taken proactive steps to ensure traders have temporary locations to continue their businesses,” he affirmed. The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa, and the member representing Isiala Ngwa South/North federal constituency at the National Assembly, Ginger Onwusibe, both commended the government for initiating the project.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Trade, Commerce, and Industry, Chimezie Ukaegbu, noted that once completed, the center would not only open new business opportunities for traders but also act as a catalyst for the state’s development. Additionally, Aba South Local Government Mayor Uche Nwogu and President of the Abia State Market Traders Association, A. E. Udeigbo, expressed their appreciation for the government’s various development projects in the city.
Earlier in the event, the project’s developer, Chinedu Onyeizu, reiterated his commitment to upgrading the center to international standards with modern facilities, ensuring completion within the projected timeline.
