Abia State governor, Alex Otti, has said the government has started the reconstruction and remodeling of the Ekeoha Shopping Centre in Aba to transform the centre to a 24-hour business hub.
Otti made the disclosure while flagging-off the project in the commercial city yesterday, assuring shop owners that none of them would lose their shop after the project is completed.
“We are interested in the growth and prosperity of our business communities and one of the fundamental efforts that must be made in this regard is to make the environment safe, secure and friendly.
“The project would be driven by public-private partnership anchored on a robust stakeholder-engagement and consultation framework. Our role in the venture is to protect the interests of the people.
“Let me assure you, government has taken very proactive steps to secure temporary accommodation for traders who do their day-to-day businesses here,” he said.
Speaker of the state’s House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa and the member representing Isiala Ngwa South/North federal constituency at the National Assembly, Ginger Onwusibe, thanked the government for the project.
The commissioner for trade, commerce and industry, Chimezie Ukaegbu, said on completion, the centre would open new business opportunities for traders and serve as a catalyst to development of the state.
Mayor of Aba South local government, Uche Nwogu and president of Abia State Market Traders Association, A. E. Udeigbo in their respective speeches, appreciated the government for the various projects in the city.
The developer of the project, Chinedu Onyeizu, reassured of his commitment to transform the centre to international standard with the required facilities within record time.