Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State gave N200 million to traders who are being affected by the renovations at the Ariaria International Market in Aba, Abia State.
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu said this on Saturday while monitoring the development of the construction at the A-Line part of the market.
He said that the trader who had to move because of the building work had gotten sympathy and help from his counterpart in Rivers State.
Ikpeazu said that he had notified the governor about the ongoing work and that he had committed N200 million to help the traders re-acquire their stores following the reconstruction. He described Wike as a loyal friend who has stood by him and the Abia people.
He told the contractor in charge of the renovation work, Blessed Henken International Company, that he was doing a good job of following the rules and understanding the government’s vision for the market. He also asked him to speed up the work so that it could be done sooner.
The quality of the renovation work at the market, according to Ikpeazu, has supported his interventionist decision to remodel Ariaria Market after more than 40 years to transform it into a truly international market.
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The governor, who also gave the traders N100 million, revealed that the donations are for the first 600 people who were given shop allotments so they may start doing business again.
Ikpeazu added that he was putting in a lot of effort to finish the new government house in Umuahia before stepping down from office in May.
I recently visited a brand-new government residence in Umuahia. The state will inherit a new government and a renovated A-line in the Ariaria International market from the Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu administration.
“I frequently visit projects where I invest money to check them out.” You must move quickly, but don’t skimp on quality—my people deserve nothing less.
“I informed my friend, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, that I would be visiting Ariaria traders. He knew that the Ariaria International Market was changing.
“Governor Wike is one of my buddies who can help my people. He relayed to me a message for traders in Ariaria. He requested that I relay the news that he would pay N500,000 per person for each of the 400 original allocators who will be impacted by the market renovations.
This indicates that he gave the concerned merchants N200 million. It must be subtracted by the contractor from the sum that the traders are expected to pay for the shops.
“Yesterday, I also gave the traders some money. I gave my approval for N100,000,000. Additionally, this sum will be subtracted from the funds required to pay for the stores.
“The two donations signify that each of the 600 entrepreneurs paid N500,000 for their own stores. The traders will soon be able to conduct business with cash.The A-line Market renovation in Ariaria is almost finished.
We have also completed the Faulks (Ariaria) Road, and we are dedicated to improving the lives of traders in Ariaria.
“I’ll also assist the dealers in finishing and commissioning their secretariat.” Ask the people who are going to Ariaria Market to support you what they have done.
“Let them present proof of their actions.” Don’t let them sway you with their alluring words and empty promises. The deadline for demonstrating full functionality is 2023.
