By Juliana Nwachukwu
The President-General of the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA), Chief Humphrey Anuna, has on Sept. 8 commenced a restructuring of the association’s zonal leadership, replacing five of its seven zonal chairmen over alleged inactivity and poor participation in ASMATA activities.
The affected zones are Aguata, Oyi, Ogbaru, Nnewi and Awka, while the Onitsha and Idemili zonal chairmen retained their positions. Anuna also appointed Felix Ezeoke as Vice Chairman to the Onitsha Zonal Chairman.
Chief Anuna announced the changes on Sept. 9 at the ASMATA Secretariat in Onitsha, explaining that the affected chairmen were removed for failing to attend meetings and participate in major association activities. He added that any zonal chairman who failed to attend up to four meetings should be considered for removal.
He said the restructuring was aimed at repositioning ASMATA for greater effectiveness, stronger coordination and improved service delivery to traders across Anambra State.
“We removed those that are not active and replaced them with people that will be active. They don’t attend meetings, and they don’t attend our activities at the stadium. We replaced them with those that will help ensure that the activities of ASMATA move forward,” Anuna said.
The ASMATA President-General charged the newly appointed zonal chairmen to understand the responsibilities attached to their offices and directed them to fix dates for zonal meetings and notify him in advance. He also warned that no individual should collect levies or dues in any market without the consent of the appropriate zonal chairman.
Speaking, ASMATA 2nd Vice Chairman, Chukwudi Ekwenugo, urged the new zonal chairmen to emulate Anuna’s leadership qualities and seek his advice when necessary, while the association’s Secretary, Macauley Ekwe, emphasised the importance of loyalty to the President-General and pledged his continued support for the administration.
Responding on behalf of the newly appointed zonal chairmen, Mr. Evaristus Ejezie thanked Anuna for finding them worthy of the responsibilities and pledged their support for his administration. Felix Ezeoke also expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him and promised to discharge his duties diligently.
The restructuring, according to the ASMATA leadership, is expected to strengthen coordination among the various market zones, improve attendance and participation in association activities, and enhance communication between zonal and market leaders across the State. Appointment letters were also presented to the newly appointed zonal chairmen by Chief Anuna.
Juliana Nwachukwu is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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