By Nkechinyere Ewa, Abakaliki
Traditional rulers and key stakeholders in Owutu-Edda, Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, have thrown their weight behind the construction of the proposed regional market at Ekenta-Ite, dismissing reports that the existing Owutu Market would be demolished as false, misleading and capable of causing unnecessary panic among residents.
The stakeholders made their position known during a visit to the Chairman of Edda Local Government Council, Prince Chima Ekuma-Nkama, at the council headquarters in Nguzu, where they issued a joint statement reaffirming support for the project and urging residents to disregard what they described as unfounded speculation.
The joint statement was signed by the Traditional Ruler of Owutu Autonomous Community, Eze Ama Otu-Uzor, the Owutu-Edda Development Union, Ndi-Ishina, Ndi Ukejii-Ogo Owutu-Edda, the Executive of the Owutu Market Traders Association and the Owutu Youth Association.
Addressing journalists, Eze Otu-Uzor said there was no plan by the council to demolish the existing Owutu Market. “There is no plan whatsoever to demolish the existing Owutu Market. At no time has the Executive Chairman of the Local Government Council or any official of the council informed the community that the market structure will be demolished,” he said.
He explained that the establishment of the new regional market was a strategic economic initiative aimed at expanding commercial opportunities, attracting investment, creating jobs and positioning Edda as a major commercial hub within Ebonyi State and beyond.
According to him, the council had consistently maintained that after trading activities are relocated to the new regional market, the existing market structures would be preserved and converted to other beneficial community uses. “This presents an opportunity rather than a threat to our community. The allegation that the Owutu Market will be demolished is false, misleading, speculative and entirely without factual foundation,” the monarch stated.
The traditional ruler also faulted a recent media briefing by individuals claiming to represent Owutu-Edda youths, saying they neither consulted nor obtained the mandate of the recognised traditional institution, town union, market leadership or youth association. “The organisers acted entirely on their own and should not be regarded as speaking for the community. While every citizen has the constitutional right to express opinions peacefully, such freedom must be exercised responsibly and truthfully,” he added.
He urged residents to verify information before making public pronouncements capable of undermining confidence in government development projects and called on all sons and daughters of Owutu-Edda to support the regional market initiative.
Also speaking, President-General of the Owutu-Edda Development Union, Osuu George Uchechukwu, and Chairman of the Owutu Market Traders Association, Fabian Agwu-Okpani, reaffirmed the community’s commitment to peace, unity and development.
They commended the council chairman for initiating what they described as a landmark project and pledged continued collaboration with his administration to ensure its successful completion.
The stakeholders also appealed to media organisations to uphold the principles of fairness and professionalism by seeking the views of all relevant parties before reporting sensitive community issues.
Responding, the Chairman of Edda Local Government Council, Prince Chima Ekuma-Nkama, said the decision to construct the regional market followed extensive consultations with stakeholders after it became clear that the existing Owutu Market could no longer accommodate the growing commercial needs of the area. “Edda has come of age. The current market that serves virtually the entire clan has become too small, and there is no room for expansion. That informed our decision to establish a modern regional market on government-owned land at Ekenta-Ite after wide consultations with stakeholders,” he said.
Ekuma-Nkama said the new market would provide facilities such as warehouses, transport parks, an abattoir and commercial plazas, creating a conducive environment for large-scale trading and investment. “This is not a personal project. It is a project for the general interest of the people. We are laying a foundation that will benefit generations of Edda people and attract investors to our community,” he added.
The council chairman dismissed opposition to the project as an attempt to undermine the administration’s development efforts and urged residents to support initiatives capable of improving the economy and living standards of the people.
He thanked the traditional ruler and other stakeholders for clarifying the issues surrounding the project, saying their intervention had helped counter misinformation and strengthen public confidence in the council’s development agenda.
The regional market, currently nearing completion at Ekenta-Ite, is expected to provide expanded trading facilities for farmers, traders, transporters, artisans and investors, with community leaders expressing optimism that it will accelerate economic growth and transform Edda into one of Ebonyi State’s major commercial centres.