The stakeholders made their position known during a security meeting convened by the Executive Chairman of Ebonyi Local Government Area, Prince Chinedu Uburu, to address concerns raised by a handful of individuals opposed to the remodeling process.
Setting the tone for the meeting, Prince Uburu described the project as a welcome development, noting that the process must be harmonized to instill confidence in shop owners who fear losing their shops upon completion of the new structures. He disclosed that he had earlier constituted a Market Development Committee, led by Apostle Benjamin Obeji, to profile shop owners and develop modalities for acquisition, compensation, and a Memorandum of Understanding. However, he regretted that the committee had yet to submit its report.
Responding, Apostle Benjamin Obeji explained that the committee’s report was ready but had not been printed due to financial constraints, adding that a requisition had previously been made to the council chairman without response.
The contractor handling the project, Engr. Njoku Chinedu, clarified that all necessary approvals were obtained from the state government before work commenced. He added that the land was duly acquired by the state government, and notices were issued to landlords through the Ministry of Lands and Survey.
Providing further clarification, the Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Dr. Mathew Nwobashi, stated that the land was formally acquired in line with the Land Use Act and that affected shop owners were duly notified about the remodeling. He urged the community to embrace the sweeping development initiatives taking place.
Recall that Senator Nwebonyi had earlier explained that over half a billion naira has already been appropriated and released to the contractor through the zonal intervention programme. He maintained that he was determined to transform Mbeke Ishieke community into one of the best satellite towns in Nigeria through the remodeling of the Nwori market and other critical infrastructures because charity begins at home adding that other parts of Ebonyi North zone are receiving equal attention. He called on the people to corporate with the contractor to ensure speedy delivery of the projects.
Representing the Governor, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, the Principal Secretary to the Governor, Chief Mathias Adum, noted that the remodeling became necessary due to the ongoing construction of Trunk A Road and other social amenities attracted to the area by Senator Nwebonyi. He called on all dissenting voices to unite for the collective progress of the community.
In separate remarks, the Commissioner for Border Peace and Conflict Resolution, Prof. Paul Awo Nwobashi; Member I of the Ebonyi State Secondary Education Board, Chief Laz Eze; Coordinator of Mbeke Development Centre, Hon. Franklin Nwugwu; the Traditional Ruler of Mbeke Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Peter Ukpamazi; and the Town Union President, Sunday Ogboso, all expressed appreciation to Governor Nwifuru and Senator Nwebonyi for their development initiatives. They appealed for calm and unity, emphasizing that development often comes with initial challenges but ultimately benefits the greater good.
The meeting was attended by community leaders, traditional rulers, principal officers of government, executive members, youth and women leaders from Ishieke Mgbomeze Kingdom, amid overwhelming testimonies acknowledging the impactful leadership of Governor Nwifuru, ably complemented by Senator Nwebonyi.
From Romanus Uzor Ozioko
Special Assistant to the Senate Deputy Chief Whip on Media and Publicity.
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