Stakeholders of Owutu community in Edda Local Government Area (LGA) of Ebonyi, have debunked reports that the chairman of the council intends to demolish its market in a relocation bid.
The stakeholders comprising the community’s traditional leadership, its development union, the market traders association among others said in a press conference that the report of the purported demolision was false.
The Traditional Ruker of the community, HRH Ama Uzor said the report came from individuals who had no locus to speak on behalf of the community and do not have its interest in mind.
“The council chairman’s decision to inaugure a modern regional market at Ekenta–Ite is a visionary, developmental initiative intended to stimulate economic growth.
“The decision is also intended to expand commercial opportunities, attract investment, create employment and position Edda as a major commercial hub within Ebonyi and beyond.
“The intention is to relocate the market to the new regional market presently under construction by the council,”.
He said the council has consistently explained that following the relocation of trading activities to the new market, structures and facilities at the existing market shall be preserved.
“The structures and facilities shall be converted to uses of mutual benefit to the community and entire Edda people.
“This presents an opportunity rather than a threat to our community thereby making reports of the purported demolision false, misleading, speculative and without facts.
“We are deeply concerned that a few individuals acting without due consultation, choose to organise a press briefing capable of creating unnecessary anxiety and misleading the people,”.
The President–General of the Owuty Edda Clan Development Union, Chief Uchechukwu George said that while citizens have the constitutional rights to express opinions, such should be done responsibly and factually.
“The dissemination of unverified information capable of undermining public confidence in government projects does not serve the people’s interest,” he said.
Mr Fabian Okpani, Chairman of Owutu Market Traders Association commended the council chairrman for initiating the regional market project which presents enormous economic benefits for the people.
“We call on all sons and daughters of the community to support this developmental project and refrain from spreading misinformation capable of discouraging developmental partners,”.
The Chairman of Edda LGA, Chief Chima Ekumankama thanked the community”s stakehokders for setting the facts straight and advised those who oppose developmental initiatives, to rethink.
Ekumankama said that the existing market could not accommodate the quantum of business activities inside it hence the need for a new market with increased structures and modern business facilities.
“It is disheartening that our people travel to neighbouring councils and towns to purchase items that could ordinarily been accessed in our area with adequate storage facilities,”
