By Emeka Ilozor
The Nkwo Market Management Commission (NMMC), managers of the Enugwu-Ukwu Traditional Market, has successfully conducted a free, fair, and transparent election for the executive officers of the Nkwo Traders Association (NTA), ushering in a new leadership that will pilot the affairs of the association for the next two years.
The election, held on August 1 at Obu Umunri, attracted traders from across the market who turned out peacefully to exercise their franchise. The exercise was supervised by Mr. Chidozie Obeleagu (Odenigbo), who served as the Returning Officer on behalf of the Mayor of Njikoka Local Government Area.
Addressing traders before the commencement of voting, the Chairman of the Nkwo Market Management Commission, Chief Ndubisi Isiadinso, commended members of the association for their unity, discipline, and peaceful disposition, describing the NTA as one of the most organized market bodies in the South-East.
Chief Isiadinso assured the traders that the election would be conducted without interference, stressing that no candidate would be imposed on them. According to him, the commission was committed to upholding democratic principles by allowing traders to freely choose leaders of their choice.
Following the conclusion of the election, Rev. Fr. Jude Ozumba administered the oath of office to the newly elected executive members. In his charge, he reminded them that leadership is a call to selfless service and urged them to discharge their responsibilities with honesty, humility, and integrity.
The cleric advised the new officers not to betray the confidence reposed in them by the traders through mismanagement, abuse of office, or unfriendly conduct, emphasizing that true leadership is measured by service to others.
Representing the Eze Enugwu-Ukwu na Igwe Umunri, His Royal Majesty Sir Ralph Obumneme Ekpeh, Ozonkpu Chief Dennis Anekwe described the election as peaceful, transparent, and rancour-free.
He commended the Nkwo Market Management Commission for demonstrating democratic values by providing all eligible traders with an equal opportunity to participate in the electoral process. He further advised the newly elected executives to lead with fairness, humility, and accountability, warning them against using their positions to intimidate or oppress members of the association.
At the end of the exercise, the following officers emerged to lead the Nkwo Traders Association for the next two years:
- Chairman: Mr. Akpagu A.I.R.
- Vice Chairman: Mr. Oscar Thomas
- Secretary: Mr. Chinweze O. Kingsley
- Assistant Secretary: Mr. Obiora Augustine
- Financial Secretary: Mr. Patrick Itumoh
- Treasurer: Mrs. Ujuagu Cecilia
- Social Welfare Officer: Mrs. Okonkwo Chioma
- Assistant Social Welfare Officer: Mrs. Mkpume Ann
- Public Relations Officer I: Mrs. Chukwurah Ann
- Public Relations Officer II: Mrs. Okoyeobi Ukamaka
- Provost I: Mr. Nwoye Uju
- Provost II: Mrs. Nwoye Chinelo C
The successful conduct of the election has been widely hailed by traders as another demonstration of the market’s commitment to transparency, inclusiveness, and democratic governance. Many expressed optimism that the newly elected executives would work collectively to promote the welfare of traders and sustain the peace, unity, and progress of the historic Nkwo Market, Enugwu-Ukwu.
