Ebonyi monarchs, stakeholders back Edda regional market, dismiss demolition rumours

Traditional rulers and key stakeholders in Owutu-Edda, Edda Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, have endorsed the construction of the proposed regional market at Ekenta-Ite, dismissing claims that the existing Owutu Market will be demolished as false and misleading.

The stakeholders gave the endorsement during a visit to Chima Ekuma-Nkama, the Chairman of Edda Local Government Council, at the Council Headquarters in Nguzu, where they issued a joint statement reaffirming support for the project and urging residents to ignore what they described as misinformation intended to create unnecessary panic.

The statement was jointly 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.

Otu-Uzor (HRH) while speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, said there was no plan by the council to demolish the existing Owutu Market, stressing that neither the council chairman nor any government official had informed the community of such a decision.

“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.

The monarch explained that the new regional market is an economic development initiative designed to expand commercial activities, attract investment, create employment and position Edda as a major commercial hub in Ebonyi State.

He noted that the council had consistently maintained that once trading activities are relocated to the new market, the existing market structures would be preserved and converted to other beneficial community purposes.

“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,” he added.

Otu-Uzor also distanced the community from 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 said.

He urged residents to verify information before making public statements 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, George Uchechukwu (Osuu) President-General of the Owutu-Edda Development Union, 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 economic project and pledged the community’s continued support to ensure its successful completion.

The stakeholders also urged media organisations to uphold fairness and professionalism by seeking the views of all relevant parties before publishing reports on sensitive community matters.

Responding, Chima Ekuma-Nkama, the Chairman of Edda Local Government Council, said the decision to establish the regional market followed extensive consultations after it became evident that the existing Owutu Market could no longer meet 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 market would feature modern facilities, including warehouses, transport parks, an abattoir and commercial plazas, creating an enabling environment for large-scale trade 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 said.

He described opposition to the project as an attempt to frustrate the council’s development efforts and thanked the traditional ruler and other stakeholders for clarifying the issues and restoring public confidence.

The regional market, which according to him is nearing completion at Ekenta-Ite, is expected to provide expanded trading opportunities for farmers, traders, transporters, artisans and investors, with community leaders expressing optimism that it will stimulate economic growth and transform Edda into one of Ebonyi State’s leading commercial centres.