Rivers State Governor, Barrister Nyesom Wike has donated N200 million to traders affected by the ongoing remodeling works at the Ariaria International Market, Aba, Abia State.
While inspecting the progress of works at the A-Line section of the market on Saturday, Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu said that his Rivers State counterpart expressed his sympathy and support to the traders who were displaced as a result of the ongoing work.
Describing Wike as a “dependable friend who has stood by him and Abia people”, Ikpeazu explained that he had informed the Governor about the ongoing work and he pledged N200 million to assist the traders in re-acquire their shops after the reconstruction.
He commended the contractor handling the remodeling works, Blessed Henken International Company, for working in line with specifications and interpreting the government’s vision for the market and urged him to increase the pace of work to ensure early completion.
Ikpeazu explained that the quality of remodeling work at the market has vindicated his interventionist move to remodel the Ariaria market after more than 40 years to make it a truly international market.
The governor, who also donated N100 million to the traders, explained that the donations are for the first 600 original shop allottees to enable them to recommence business.
Ikpeazu also said he was working hard to complete the new Government House Umuahia before leaving office in May.
The governor said: “Yesterday, I inspected a brand new government house in Umuahia. The Dr Okezie Ikpeazu administration is the one that will bequeath a new Government and remodeled A-line in Ariaria International market to the state.
” I take regular visits to inspect projects where I spend money. You need to put speed but don’t compromise quality because my people deserve the best.
“I told my friend, the Governor of Rivers State, Barrster Nyesom Wike that I’m going to visit Ariaria traders. He was aware that Ariaria international market is being remodeled.
” I have friends who can assist my people and one of them is Governor Wike. He gave me a message for Ariaria traders. The message he asked me to deliver is that he will pay N500,000 each for 400 original allottees who are affected by the remodeling works at the market.
“What this means is that he gave N200 million to the concerned traders. The contractor will have to deduct it from the money to be paid for shops by the traders.
“Yesterday, I also approved some money to the traders. I approved the sum of N100 million. This money will also be deducted from the money to be paid for the shops.
“What the two donations mean is that the 600 traders have paid N500,000 each for the shops. The traders will soon pack in and they will have money to do business. The remodeling of A-line in the Ariaria market is almost completed.
“We have also done Faulks (Ariaria) road and we are committed to making life pleasurable for Ariaria traders.
“I will also help the traders to complete their secretariat and commission it. For those who are coming to campaign at Ariaria market, ask them what have they done to assist you?
“Let them provide evidence of what they have done. Don’t allow them to come and deceive you with their sweet tongue and fake promises. 2023 is the time to show full work”.
First Vice Chairman of Ariaria International Market, Chief Goddy Udunna, who spoke for the executives of the market, commended the governor for the asphalting of Faulks road and the remodeling works which have changed the face of the market.
Earlier, some of the affected traders, Obi Collins and Chiabuto Anaba lauded Ikpeazu’s efforts in remodeling the market and for his various road projects.
They pledged support for his senatorial bid.
