By Ezechukwu Adimoha
The State Government has signed a Tripartite Agreement with Check Best, the Developer of the remodeling of the Section Two of Ariaria International Market Aba and Representatives of the Traders’ Union of Ariaria International Market, Aba.
Speaking after signing the document on behalf of the State Government at Government House Umuahia, the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Dr. Salome Obiukwu said that the Tripartite Committee was set up by the State Government to look at the processes and further Implementation of remodeling of the Second Section of the Market to International Standards.
Dr Obiukwu noted that the remodeling Project when realized will not only be of immense benefit to the Traders but would be a reference Point for Trade in the whole of Africa and enjoined the Developer to uphold Quality Standards.
Dr. Obiukwu further announced that the State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti will on the 30th of this Month perform the flag off Ceremony of the remodeling and reconstruction of the Project, urging the Traders to cooperate with Government and move to the Temporary Market allocated to them pending the completion of the Project.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade, Commerce and Industry, Chief Nwaka Inem said the essence of the Tripartite Agreement and Adoption was the summary of several Engagement Meetings with Parties involved in the remodeling of the Second Section of the Market.
Chief Inem noted that Governor Otti is not only determined to develop the State but to bring modernity in all Sectors of the State Economy, especially Ariaria International Market and assured the existing Shop Owners in the Market that they will get their Shops at a subsidized rate after the completion of the Project.
“No responsible government will allow such dilapidated structures to be and allow its citizens to operate under such an environment. So it became imperative that some of these markets have to be not only remodeled, but reconstructed with modern facilities and a conducive operating environment”
“In such a way that should there be an accident, there will be easy access to give rescue vis-a-vis fire. Should there be any health challenge during market, there should be a clinic. All these are things that appear in modern times, of course it is called Ariaria International Market” Chief Inem stated.
In their remarks, the Chairman, Ariaria International Market, Sir Hyacinth Ositadimma Nnabude and a former President of the Market, Mr. Chikadibia Ozoekwe said the Traders are in support of the remodelling Project through the MD/CEO Check Best International Limited, Mr. Chiedozie Njoku expressed gratitude to the Governor for his quick intervention to save the Market from total collapse.
Responding, the Developer, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Check Best International Limited, Mr. Chiedozie Njoku described the opportunity given to him by the State Government to reconstruct the Second Section of Ariaria International Market Aba as a rare privilege, promising to develop a World Class Market while urging the Traders to abide by the Rules of the Agreement.
“We just signed a tripartite agreement for the development of the international market. The tripartite committee consists of the government, represented by the Ministry of Trade and Commerce, the leadership, zonal heads, and executives of Ariaria International Market Association, and Check-best International Ltd.
“It was a committee that was formed by the Abia State government to look at the processes of implementation of a successful remodeling of the second phase of Araria International Market.”
I’m happy. I’m proud. And I also feel very, very privileged to partner with the state government to achieve this laudable project in line with what the present administration of Dr. Alex Otti is doing”
“I feel privileged and honored to be a part of a team that will deliver a world-class market in Abia State, which will be very beneficial not just to traders now, to the state in general, and probably be a very reference point in the whole of the nation, if not Africa’s” The developer noted.
