GOVERNOR SOLUDO, EBONWU EXTOL ASMATA AS ASSOCIATION MARKS SECOND ANNIVERSARY

By Juliana Nwachukwu

Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the Anambra State Commissioner for Commerce, Mr. Nonso Chukwuma Ebonwu, have commended traders for their contributions to economic growth, peaceful business activities, and commerce in Anambra State.

The commendation came during the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA ), secomd Traders’ Day celebration held on June 27 at Chuba Ikpeazu Stadium, Onitsha, where traders from various markets marked the association’s second anniversary through sports and other activities.

Representing the governor, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Mr. Michael Obiekwe, described the event as a platform for promoting unity among traders.

He praised their resilience despite economic challenges and highlighted the Soludo administration’s achievements in the commerce sector, including market regeneration, improved security, road infrastructure, market reforms, reduced sit-at-home disruptions, and ongoing efforts to address flooding and congestion in major markets.

Obiekwe urged traders to remain supportive of the government and market leadership while staying security conscious.

In his address, ASMATA President-General, Chief Humphrey Anuna, thanked Governor Chukwuma Soludo for creating an enabling business environment through improved security and infrastructure. He, however, expressed concern over the failure of some market chairmen to remit ASMATA’s internally generated revenue, describing it as essential to the association’s operations.

Chief Anuna said the award presented to Archbishop Joseph Onyeka Nzekwesi was in recognition of his consistent sponsorship of sporting activities during the first and second editions of the Traders’ Day celebration.

Responding, Archbishop Nzekwesi reaffirmed his commitment to supporting sports development and commended ASMATA’s leadership for promoting peace and unity among traders.

The celebration featured march pasts by the ASMATA Women Wing and football competitions. At the end of the tournament, the ASMATA Female Team emerged champions, while Nkpor New Auto Spare Parts Market and Great Vanguard finished second and third, respectively.

Juliana Nwachukwu is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State