By Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki.
In a bold stride toward restoring order, fostering safety, and revitalizing commerce, Professor Nwogo Ajuka Obasi, the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Market Development and Parks, has spearheaded transformative initiatives aimed at curbing insecurity in marketplaces and parks—an effort that is now yielding tangible economic dividends.
Interacting with journalists, Tuesday, at Abakaliki, Prof. Obasi emphasized the state government's commitment to creating an enabling environment that supports ease of doing business. This vision is rooted in attracting both local and international investors by addressing one of the most pressing issues that once plagued the state’s markets: insecurity fueled by leadership crises.
Democracy Over Imposition: A Game-Changer
"When we assumed office, we discovered that previous administrations imposed market leaders, creating chaos and tension," Prof. Obasi noted. Acting on this discovery and with the governor’s blessing, his office introduced a democratic system allowing market traders to elect their own leaders. The impact was immediate: order replaced confusion, and crime significantly reduced. For the first time in years, Ebonyi markets have seen a halt in violent outbreaks and fatalities.
Economic Surge Fueled by Security and Structure
The Commissioner proudly highlighted the influx of international traders, particularly from Cameroon and other neighboring countries, now streaming into Ebonyi’s international markets. “Since the markets are better managed, foreigners feel safe. Lot 1, for instance, is booming with activity,” he said.
Strategic partnerships are also beginning to bear fruit. Through collaborations with organizations like EBSMEDA and shoe merchants from Aba, Ebonyi is gradually emerging as a hub for wholesale trade and local enterprise partnerships. While negotiations continue on accommodating the unique needs of some partners, including demands for specialized market spaces, progress remains steady.
Tough Choices for Long-Term Gains
Addressing the sensitive issue of recent market structure demolitions, Prof. Obasi clarified that development inevitably comes with sacrifices. "Yes, there is restructuring happening, and some structures had to go. But it's all within the purview of the local government, and it’s necessary to modernize and ensure proper planning," he explained.
Transparency, Accountability, and Revenue Reforms
Another major leap under Prof. Obasi's leadership has been in revenue generation and accountability. Upon assuming office, he uncovered numerous irregularities in shop allocations and rent collections. Through a painstaking data-driven audit, his team recovered over 483 shops previously occupied without due process.
“We’ve built a robust database system—today, we can tell you the status of any shop at a glance. From that alone, our revenue soared. At some point, we were generating N300 million monthly from international markets,” he revealed.
Despite the challenges, Prof. Obasi’s approach—rooted in transparency, discipline, and strategic restructuring—has transformed Ebonyi’s markets from hubs of violence to thriving centers of commerce and peace.
The Verdict
From violent chaos to vibrant commerce, the journey of Ebonyi State's markets is a testament to what visionary leadership, community inclusion, and firm governance can achieve. With Prof. Obasi at the helm of Market Development and Parks, Ebonyi is not just building markets—it’s building a legacy of security-driven prosperity.
