By EMMA ELEKWA, Onitsha

It was a celebration galore at the Building Materials International Market, Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State following a rancor-free election of leaders of the market.

Traders in the market who shut down business activities in obedience to directives from the leadership, thronged out in their large numbers to participate in the election officiated by the State Association of Market Associations (ASAMATA) and Ministry of Trade and Commerce.

The Nation gathered that the return of the incumbent President General of the market, Chief Jude Nwankwo and most of his executives was a reflection of his popularity, having led the large market for the first term of four years.

Addressing the traders, Nwankwo thanked them for the massive support given to his leadership for the past four years, pledging to consolidate on his past achievements in maintaining peace in the market.

He is also promised to advance his rating as a core investor, known for his philanthropy and empowering fellow traders who had experienced misfortune with funds to improve their businesses as well as acquiring massive plots of land for the market housing scheme.

He said, “I thank Governor Willie Obiano for the increasing support to the market including the provision of security that brought peace and tranquility in the market.

“I call on those who lost out to see the exercise as mere game and test of popularity and display maturity by joining hands with us to build a stronger and viable market.”

Vice-president of the market, Sir Cyril Ugwuja who scored 591 votes to retain his position said the incumbent executives’ victory was a testimony of their outstanding performance in the last four years, just as he urged his colleagues to be magnanimous in victory.

Representative of the President-General, Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA), Chief Ikechukwu Ekwegbalu who spoke through ldemili Zonal Chairman of ASMATA, Chief Anthony Onwuetiaka described the election as credible, urging other markets in the state to emulate its transparency and credibility electoral processes.

On his part, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Willie Obiano on Market Affairs and Chief Patron of the market, Hon.Silas Ejeabocha commended the traders’ efforts in ensuring a smooth and successful exercise. (The Nation)

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