Yam Dealers Association in Ebonyi has made a serious appeal to the new Governor of the State, Chief Francis Nwifuru to build the 'Yam Market' for its members in the State.
Mrs Umeh disclosed that her members had recorded many losses in their business because of the condition of their business centre, located in Ebonyi's Margaret Umahi International Market, Abakaliki.
According to the Chairman, tracing down the background of the present Ebonyi State governor, there is no doubt that he has full knowledge of yam farming, even its preparation, production, harvest, preservation and marketing processes.
She, however, regretted that despite the great devotion of Ebonyi people to yam farming, their State has no special market or innovation centre for the dealers.
She noted that building a yam market or yam innovation centre in Ebonyi by the present regime would be of great importance to the citizens of the State and beyond, and however, promised to contribute their quota to accomplish the demanded project.
Umeh lamented that her members have frowned at the multiple taxation going on in the State's International market, and called for quick intervention by the government to avoid chasing traders out of the market.
"Ebonyi people are known for yam farming but this place, which the state government gave to us is not good for yam traders. You know our people after harvesting yams, will take them to their barns, for preservation. They won't preserve the yam under a canopy or umbrella, but here, we use them to preserve our yams and that's why we continue recording a big loss after sales because many of them had become decayed.
"We are happily congratulating our brand new Governor in Ebonyi, Chief Francis Nwifuru, believing that he will address the challenges of the yam dealers in the State.
"We know if the yam market or yam innovation centre is built in Ebonyi, people from other states will come to patronize this State."
She further condemned high taxation in the State International market, saying each trader spends not less than 1,000 Naira for tax per day. She urged the state governor to work hard to stop multiple taxations to encourage the traders to cope with their businesses in the area.
Mrs Umeh requested that the government of Nwifuru should carry out research on rich yam seedlings very adaptable to the state land and import them to ensure immense productivity
Expressing their support for the requests of the Chairman, her Vice, Mrs Beatrice Lebedum, and the Financial Secretary of the yam dealers, Mr Simon Nwambam assured the state governor of their members' readiness to be law-abiding by respecting his administrative policies.
Victor Nwegede.
