Ebonyi LG begins construction of market, 100 years after

By Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki

Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has commenced the construction of a modern market in Ishiagu to boost economic activities in the mineral-rich community.

The multi-million naira market, which will occupy 16 hectares of land, was approved by Governor Francis Nwifuru.

A commercial bank, schools, a hospital, and a police station will be included in the market upon completion.

The community has been without a proper market for over 100 years. It currently has only a small market, Eke Ishiagu, located in the heart of the town, which will be relocated after the modern market is constructed.

Flagging off the project at the weekend, Governor Francis Nwifuru, represented by the Commissioner for Market Development and Parks, Professor Ajuka Nwogo, commended the Chairman of the local government, Chief Emmanuel Ajah, for acquiring and fencing the land for the project.

He noted that Eke Ishiagu market would give way for the new market as it could no longer serve the people.

He predicted that the market would become an industrial and commercial hub when completed and urged the people to support the project.

The governor also commended the local government chairman for tackling insecurity in the community.

Addressing the people, Chief Emmanuel Ajah said the market would be completed within five months.

He assured that everything needed to actualise the project had been put in place and commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for approving funding for its construction.

He called on the people of the area to ensure adequate security for the construction workers and materials.

On his part, the President-General of Ishiagu Community Development Union (ICDU), Moses Ajah, said the market would be fire-proof.

“We will not have stories of fire outbreaks in this market; it’s going to be fire-proof. We will not have stories of flooding in the market; it has been taken care of in the design.

“We will not have stories of all manner of confusion associated with many market institutions and facilities.

“We have proposed for this market a fire service station, a police station. We have proposed for this market a crèche so that our mothers can have a place to keep their children while they learn as business activities go on.

“We are also going to have a clinic in this market. We will also have pharmacies, and all of these are going to come to fruition,” he said.