•Says it will attract investors to Imo, Nigeria
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State have officially opened the Owerri Central Market Complex, hailing it as a significant boon for both Imo State and Nigeria.
Obasanjo, who was present for the event, expressed his optimism about the market’s potential to draw in investors and foster job creation, wealth, and development.
During Friday’s groundbreaking ceremony at Umuohiadagu Umualum in Nekede, Owerri, Obasanjo remarked, “The Owerri Central Market Complex is designed to attract business people from across Nigeria and beyond. It will create jobs, wealth, harmony, unity, and development for Imo State and the entire country.”
The former president praised Governor Uzodimma for his developmental efforts in Imo State and assured that the investment in the market would be profitable. “The money invested will be recouped through profit from the investment,” he stated.
Reflecting on Owerri’s historical significance, Obasanjo recalled the strategic importance of the city during the Nigeria-Biafra war, highlighting its crucial role in ending the conflict and uniting the country.
Governor Uzodimma, in his address, thanked Obasanjo for his support and assured that the state would provide a conducive environment for the market’s success. “We will encourage you to climb. Don’t be afraid, we will support you,” he told the project’s promoter, Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu. He emphasized that the market would be a blessing to both Imo State and Nigeria upon completion.
The governor lamented the prolonged delays in the market’s construction due to various challenges, including illegal land fragmentation. He explained that the government had set up a commission of inquiry that successfully recovered the land. Moving forward, he assured that the government would maintain the trust of those investing in the project.
Nze Chukwu, the project’s promoter, and Barr. Rex Anunobi, Commissioner for Trade, Commerce, and Investment, both expressed gratitude to Governor Uzodimma for his relentless efforts to advance development in Imo State. They voiced their confidence that the Owerri Central Market Complex would transform the commercial landscape of the state once completed.
The event also saw support from other notable figures, including Deputy Governor Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly Rt. Hon Chike Olemgbe, and Senators Ezenwa Onyewuchi and Patrick Ndubueze, all of whom commended Governor Uzodimma’s dedication to the state’s development.
