…describing stability as essential to preventing market crisis.
Onitsha, Nigeria — The iNews Times reports that the Anambra State Government has issued a strong warning to traders across the state to avoid actions capable of triggering a market crisis, stressing that Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration remains committed to traders’ welfare, peace and inclusive governance.
The warning was delivered by the State Director of Markets, Chief Frank Ilodiba, during the election of new executives of the Nkpor Butchers Association held at Nkpor Main Market in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Chief Ilodiba emphasized that the present administration does not tolerate disorder in markets and urged traders to manage internal disagreements peacefully without dragging the government or external actors into avoidable disputes that could escalate into a market crisis.
Addressing the newly elected chairman of the association, Chief Onyia Patrick, Ilodiba called for an open-door leadership style anchored on transparency, unity and development.
“For your market to move forward, you should embrace peace, love and development in order to key into Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s all-inclusive governance,” he said.
He further charged the new executive to prioritize environmental cleanliness, especially within the butchers’ hall and abattoir areas, noting that sanitation remains critical in preventing health hazards and maintaining the image of the market.
“You should ensure cleanliness of your environment, especially your hall. Put the necessary furniture in place to make it conducive and livable,” Ilodiba advised.
The Markets Director also encouraged the executive to consult elders in resolving disputes rather than inviting third parties that could complicate issues and fuel market crisis.
“Manage your market crisis internally. Avoid any act capable of dragging the image of the market into the mud. The welfare of traders must be paramount in all your undertakings,” he stated.
He further advised that leadership should demonstrate care for members through tangible welfare gestures, explaining that transparency in the use of traders’ contributions would build trust and encourage cooperation.
“If periodically it is even rice or any item you share to show appreciation, it will assure members that their money is used judiciously. That way, they will contribute willingly and without mixed feelings,” he added.
Also speaking, the President General (PG), Chief Humphrey Anuna, called for collective responsibility in driving the market forward in line with the state government’s infrastructural development agenda.
He commended traders for conducting themselves peacefully during the election, noting that the smooth process reflected maturity and unity among members.
“For Onyia Patrick to emerge victorious shows he carried everybody along. Leadership is about service, not selfishness,” Anuna stressed.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the ASMATA State Electoral Committee, Chief Samuel Ifurunwa, reiterated the government’s commitment to peaceful electoral processes in markets across the state, describing stability as essential to preventing market crisis.
He encouraged those who may have lost in the election to persevere, reminding them that leadership opportunities rotate and that another chance would come in four years.
Ifurunwa, however, strongly condemned the poor condition of the butchers’ abattoir and market sheds, warning that neglect could expose traders and customers to health risks.
“The abattoir and shades must be kept clean at all times to prevent the spread of epidemics. Sanitation is non-negotiable,” he warned.
Earlier, the Chairman of Nkpor Main Market, Chief Paul Oyeka Okafor, expressed satisfaction with the orderly conduct of the election, describing it as one of the most peaceful exercises in recent years.
He commended the ASMATA President General, the state electoral committee, Nkpor indigenes, the State Director of Markets, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, and other stakeholders for ensuring a smooth and crisis-free process.
He also praised Governor Soludo for ongoing developmental projects across the state, stating that market stability is crucial to sustaining economic growth and avoiding any market crisis.
In his post-election speech, the newly elected Chairman of the Nkpor Butchers Association, Chief Onyia Patrick, thanked members for entrusting him with leadership, describing his victory as a reflection of confidence in his ability to deliver.
He outlined key priorities of his administration, including securing a dedicated abattoir, acquiring two to three plots of land for ranching purposes, and renovating market shades to prevent flooding and rainfall disruptions during the rainy season.
Patrick pledged to carry everyone along and ensure that welfare remains central to his leadership agenda.
The Chairman of the Butchers’ Electoral Committee, Mr. Nwankwo Martins Onyedikachukwu, described the election as long overdue and applauded the electoral body for conducting a transparent and credible process that avoided tension or dispute.
In separate remarks, Vice Chairman Chukwuma Uzim, Secretary Obasi Chika and Public Relations Officer Nnoli Anthony commended the state government, ASMATA leadership and the electoral committee for overseeing what they described as the most peaceful market election in the past decade.
They expressed optimism that the new executive would lead the butchers to greater progress while prioritizing unity and welfare to prevent any form of market crisis in the future.
Other elected officials include Cyprian Ngoka as Assistant Secretary, Chetachukwu Moses Aniukwu as Financial Secretary, Alegu Solomon Chibueze as Treasurer, and Chiadikaobi Agu as Provost.
As the new leadership assumes office, stakeholders insist that sustained peace, transparency and improved sanitation standards remain critical in strengthening market operations and safeguarding Anambra’s commercial ecosystem from instability.
