Yuletide: Grain Seed Market Chairman Commends Governor Soludo and Highlights Market Safety Measures
By Oge Onyeanusi, Onitsha
As the festive season approaches, the Chairman of the Grain Seed Market in Onitsha, Chief Chijioke Okpara, has assured traders and customers of improved safety measures and compliance with government directives.
Speaking in an interview with newsmen in Onitsha, Chief Okpara outlined the market’s preparations for the busy Yuletide period, emphasizing security, fire safety, and market hygiene.
Chief Okpara stated that the market’s security team remains vigilant, with four personnel, both uniformed and plain-clothed, on duty to ensure the safety of traders and customers. “Our security team is alert and proactive, monitoring all activities in the market,” he said.
He emphasized the market’s readiness to handle emergencies, particularly fire outbreaks. He disclosed that the market had procured fire extinguishers and plans to install them across all market lines. “We have four fully loaded water tanks equipped with hoses, ready to combat any fire incident. Although no such incidents have occurred in our market, we remain prepared,” he assured.
Additionally, Chief Okpara commended traders for their commitment to sanitation. “We have conducted thorough market clean-ups, especially during sanitation days, to maintain a healthy environment,” he noted.
On the side of support for Government Policies, Chief Okpara applauded the traders for adhering to Governor Charles Soludo’s directives, including refraining from charging fees to barrow pushers and hawkers.
He also highlighted the traders’ compliance with paying government levies. “About 95 percent of our traders have paid their General Purpose Levy, contributing significantly to the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR),” he said.
Chief expressed profound gratitude to Governor Soludo for his infrastructural development and free education initiatives.
He also lauded the Governor’s road construction projects, including the ongoing flyover construction in Ekwulobia.
Chief Okpara also praised the Governor’s market empowerment program, which last year provided N500,000 to a market servant. “This initiative is a remarkable skill acquisition program, and we hope it will extend to benefit more servants in the Grain Seed Market,” he stated.
Chief Okpara called on the state government to address the issue of children hawking during school hours. “The government should take strict measures against parents or guardians responsible for these children to ensure they prioritize education,” he urged.
He further commended Chief Everest Uba, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Markets, for his efforts in resolving market challenges, and Chief Humphrey Anuna, the ASMATA President, for his swift responses to market issues. “Chief Anuna, known as ‘Solution PG,’ has brought peace and stability to markets across the state,” Chief Okpara concluded.
“With these preparations, the Grain Seed Market aims to provide a secure and conducive environment for business activities during the Yuletide season.” Chief Okpara stated.
Pix : Chief Chijioke Okpara, the Chairman Grain Seed Market, Onitsha
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