By Saby Elemba, Owerri
The delay in construction of the Owerri Capital Market of Imo State has been explained.
Details:
Imo people and Nigerians as a whole will reap a lot of economic blessings from the Owerri Central Market Complex at Umuohiadagu Umualum , Nekede, in Owerri West Local Government Area of the state when it commences operation, Governor Hope Uzodinma has said during the breaking ground ceremony at the weekend.
Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, was the special guest of honour at the event and led the ground breaking ceremony with Governor Hope Uzodinma.
However, Governor Uzodinma regretted that the construction of the Owerri Central Market Complex could have started and be completed before now but that the construction was stalled for a very long time as a result of many challenges, including illegal balkanisation of the land.
According to him, in the wisdom of the government, a commission of enquiry was set up which led to the recovery of the land, and going forward, government would play its role not to betray the confidence of those who have elected to invest in the project.
Uzodinma further noted that the project is a product of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), “as the investors are coming with money from outside Nigeria to invest in it,” adding that “it is the responsibility of government and people of Imo State to provide enabling environment for them.”
And “consequent upon that, all illegal construction that will stand as obstruction to this project will be removed”, he said .
The governor thanked former President Obasanjo for continuously having the interest of the country at heart and for the support he has always shown to Imo State, through successive governments.
While appreciating Imo people who trooped out in their numbers to show solidarity with the project, the governor encouraged Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu, the chief promoter of the project, to remain resolute, as the state government would support the efforts.
According to Uzodinma, “we will encourage you to climb, don’t be afraid, we will support you.”
However , former President Obasanjo had in his speech, said that with the assurances governor Uzodinma had given to the team, “the promoters can now go out in full force to look for investors who will bring money for the development.”
Noting that the money invested would be recouped through profit from the investment.
Obasanjo said that the project was well planned by a committee of international standard.
“The Owerri Central Market Complex has been planned in a way that when completed, it will attract business men and women from across the country and beyond, as there will be facilities, variety, opportunity, prosperity, security, among others.
“So whoever wants to come will have a sense of participation, belonging and security. It will be opportunity to create jobs, wealth, harmony, unity and development for Imo State and Nigeria at large”, Obasanjo said.
Noting that Owerri is the Eastern Heartland, and recalled how Nigerian troops, under his command during the Nigeria/ Biafra civil war, needed to conquer Owerri, to conclusively bring the civil war which he said was necessary to unite the country, to a conclusive end.
In their separate but similar remarks, Nze Chukwu as the promoter of the project and Rex Anunobi, the commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Investment, thanked governor Uzodinma for his untiring effort to see Imo State experience development in all areas.
They expressed confidence that the Owerri Central Market Complex will change the business and commercial outlook of Imo State when completed.
