Earlier today, the Chairman of Udenu Local Government Council, Aka Eze Aka, received the Enugu State Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hon. Dr. Sam Ogbu Nwobodo, on a strategic working visit to Obollo Afor.
The visit centered on an interactive session with key stakeholders of the Obollo Afor Market on the proposed Obollo Afor International Market; a flagship development project of the Enugu State Government. The project is to be executed through the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment in partnership with Primeprojects Construction Company Ltd, represented at the meeting by its Managing Director, Engr. Chukwudi Eze.
The engagement brought together critical stakeholders, including representatives of the Obollo Afor Market Traders Association (OMTA), the Obollo Afor Traditional Rulers Council, Udenu Cashew nuts Dealers Association, and the Obollo Afor Market Master. The Council Chairman was flanked by the Secretary to the Local Government, Rt. Hon. Chika Aroh.
Hon. Dr. Sam Ogbu Nwobodo, addressing the people at the meeting
In an inclusive dialogue, stakeholders made valuable contributions on the best modalities for the successful execution of the project. The State Government team presented detailed specifications of the proposed market, highlighting modern infrastructure such as reliable water supply, electricity, well-organized parking facilities, and paved intra-market road networks.
Discussions were particularly focused on ensuring that the interests of the host community, existing shop owners, and traders are adequately protected. Following extensive deliberations, both the Honourable Commissioner and the MD of Primeprojects Construction Company Ltd gave firm assurances on key concerns raised.
Aka Eze Aka, making his remarks at the meeting
Notably, the government committed to providing a Relief Market for traders currently operating at the Chimaroke Nnamani Park (popularly known as “Wharf”), which is the site of the proposed Market, to ensure business continuity during the construction phase. In addition, the company pledged to construct a Civic Centre for the Obollo community at a location of they would prefer, as part of its corporate social responsibility.
The meeting ended on a positive note, with mutual agreements reached and clear resolutions adopted by all parties. The project is scheduled to commence within the next two weeks, marking a significant milestone in the economic transformation of Obollo Afor and the wider Udenu Local Government Area.
Engr. Chukwudi Eze, addressing the people
It is pertinent to recall that the Enugu State Government, under Governor Peter Mbah, in January last year, signed Executive Order No. 1, 2025 and the Land Use Regulation 2025, designating several areas across the State as urban areas.
This move, titled “Enugu State Designation of Land as Urban Areas,” aims to modernize land administration, enhance revenue generation, improve ease of doing business, and curb illegal land transactions.
A cross section of the stakeholders including women Traders and Traditional Rulers
The order identified Obollo Afor as one of the strategic urban growth centres earmarked for accelerated infrastructure and economic development. This designation sets off the government’s long-term vision of transforming key rural-urban nodes into thriving commercial hubs, making the proposed Obollo Afor International Market a timely and well-aligned intervention within the broader urbanization agenda.
✍️ AkaEzeAka Media Team.
