Udenu Council Chairman Engages Traders, Outlines Development Plans

The Executive Chairman of Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Aka Eze Aka, has engaged the leadership of the amalgamated Associations of Obollo Afor Market Traders in a bid to foster inclusive governance and address pressing market-related concerns.

Speaking during the engagement held at
Obollo Afor, facilitated by the Senior Special Assistant to the Chairman on Political Matters, Chief Basil Obetta, the Council chairman, appreciated the traders for their support during his electioneering.

Udenu Council Chairman, Aka Eze Aka during the engagement

The engagement also provided an opportunity to address key infrastructural projects, tax/revenue reforms, and environmental concerns affecting the traders and customers at Obollo Afor Market.

The Chairman highlighted several state-backed projects as well as Local government infrastructural development projects, currently being undertaken in Udenu,emphasizing their significance in improving the socio-economic conditions of the people.

The projects according to him, include the Green Smart Schools, Type II Healthcare Centers, the 1km link road between Old Oturkpo road and New Makurdi Road, and the 19.8KM Obollo-Eke-Isienu-Ibenda-Okpakerekere
-Ogwu Obollo Afor road.

He assured that the 1km link road that passed through Ozo Ji – Ukwu Akpu Obollo Afor Market woud be completed before the third week of next month.

“This link road is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion in the market area, facilitating smoother movement of goods and services. The completion of this road will not only boost trade by improving accessibility but will also ease marketers’ tension, thereby stimulating economic growth”

The Chairman revealed that he was currently in discussions with the Enugu State Government for partnership to secure counterpart funding for the construction of the 19.8,,km Obollo-Eke-Isienu-Ibenda-Okpakerekere-Ogwu Obollo Afor road.

This, he said, was crucial for rural-urban connectivity.

“When completed, the road will drastically reduce transportation costs for traders and farmers moving goods to and from the market. Additionally, it will enhance access to social services such as healthcare and education for rural dwellers, while fostering local trade and commerce.

“The road connects over 12 Communities, harboring over 110,000 population of adult men and women in their productive ages,” he said.

The Chairman announced plans to asphalt the Obollo Afor Motor Park and renovate the market.

“This facelift will not only improve the aesthetic appeal of the market but will also create a more organized and efficient trading environment,the enhancement of the motor park will ensure better traffic flow, reducing vehicular congestion and improving overall accessibility.

The Chairman also announced plans for a complete overhaul of the market’s drainage systems to check flooding.

He directed that all the structures obstructing waterways, especially along Obollo Eke Road down to Apo Filling Station axis be removed stating that the execution of the drainage system overhaul would drastically reduce the risk of floods, protect traders’ goods from water damage and ensure safer trading conditions.

The chairman equally declared that all revenue collection must now be centralized under the Local Government Revenue Authority to eliminate multiple taxation.

He issued a stern warning against unauthorized tax collectors who have been extorting traders using unfounded entitlements and warned against those doing so in the guise of government-sanctioned revenue agents.

He emphasized that henceforth, any trader paying levies to unauthorized individuals or groups do so at their own risk.

“This tax reform will provide much-needed relief to market traders, ensuring that they operate in a fair and regulated business environment.

“By eliminating extortion and streamlining tax collection, traders can reinvest in their businesses, leading to increased productivity and overall economic growth”the Chairman explained.

The Chairman’s interactive session with traders marked a significant step toward a more inclusive and development-driven governance.

By addressing key infrastructural deficits, streamlining tax collection, and prioritizing sanitation, Hon. Aka Eze Aka has laid the foundation for a more prosperous and organized Obollo Afor Market.

These initiatives, when completed, will not only enhance trade but also improve the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. With a commitment to transparent leadership and people-centered governance, Udenu LGA is set for a new era of growth and economic transformation.