Chairman of Zinox Group, Chief Leo Stan Ekeh has called on citizens of Imo State to allow peace to reign in the aftermath of the crisis and reported loss of lives which trailed the demolition of the Eke Ukwu market, unarguably the biggest market in the state.

Ekeh, a native of Owerri, also announced a donation of N50 million to be disbursed to those directly affected in the market and families of the victims who unfortunately lost their lives on Saturday. This, he hopes, would help cushion the effects of the demolition on their livelihood and calm the tense situation in the Imo State capital, while also pleading with those affected not to allow themselves to be used to cause trouble in the state.

According to the Head of Leo Stan Ekeh (LSE) Foundation, Mr. Niyi Onabanjo, Ekeh told the implementation committee headed by Chief Ambrose Ejiogu that all those directly affected by the disaster included traders in the market, irrespective of their hometowns or states of origin.

Other members of the committee include: Dr. Vin Udokwu (Secretary), Chief C. Y. Amako, Prof. Obioma Iheduru, Chief Emeka Ekwebelem, Mrs. Chuks Ekemaru, Dr. CaniceNwosu, Prof. Henry Njoku, Sam Nwoke and Chief Analyn Nwaneri.

The committee’s mandate is to work with the leadership of the market association in identifying those affected for disbursement of the funds to them. This, he hoped, would be sorted out within two weeks and funds disbursed within the next 21 days.

Onabanjo disclosed that Ekeh had two months ago awarded a multi-million Naira contract for a comprehensive refurbishment of a Practical Entrepreneurship Centre sited inside a market in Owerri, which is slated for commissioning in the first week of November as a model.

“Though a private initiative, he (Ekeh) intends to invite quality multinationals like Microsoft, Google, HP, IBM, Cisco, Facebook etc. to come and inspire Imo State youths so that they can see the bigger picture of the global wealth roadmap. As a promoter of knowledge democracy, he has been quietly assisting his state in the little ways he can,” Onabanjo said.

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