The long-anticipated transformation of Obollo Afor into a major commercial hub has commenced in earnest, as the Udenu Local Government Council begins the clearing and rehabilitation of the abandoned Obollo Afor Building Materials Market to serve as a temporary relief market for the project.
The initiative is part of broader preparations for the construction of the proposed Obollo Afor International Market, a flagship project of the Enugu State Government aimed at boosting trade, infrastructure, and economic activities in Enugu North Senatorial Zone.
The rehabilitated Building Materials Market, which has remained dormant for over 23 years, will now provide temporary accommodation for traders currently operating at the Chimaroke Modern Market, popularly known as “Wharf”—which is slated for demolition to pave the way for the new international market.
Chairman of Udenu Local Government Area, Aka Eze Aka, has been widely commended for spearheading the move to revive the abandoned facility, a decision stakeholders describe as both strategic and timely in ensuring business continuity during the transition period.
The development follows a high-level working visit to Obollo Afor on April 18 by the Enugu State Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hon. Dr. Sam Ogbu Nwobodo. The visit featured an interactive session with key stakeholders on the modalities for the successful execution of the international market project.
Present at the meeting were representatives of the Obollo Afor Market Traders Association (OMTA), the Obollo Afor Traditional Rulers Council, the Udenu Cashew Nuts Dealers Association, and the Obollo Afor Market Master. The Council Chairman was accompanied by the Secretary to the Local Government, Rt. Hon. Chika Aroh.
The project billboard detailing the scope of the construction
Also in attendance was the Managing Director of Primeprojects Construction Company Ltd, Engr. Chukwudi Eze, whose firm has been engaged as the development partner for the project under the supervision of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
During the engagement, government officials presented detailed plans for the proposed international market, which will feature modern infrastructure, including a reliable water supply system, stable electricity, well-organized parking spaces, and a network of paved internal roads designed to ease movement and enhance commercial efficiency.
Stakeholders at the meeting actively contributed to discussions, emphasizing the need to safeguard the interests of host communities, existing shop owners, and traders. Concerns raised were addressed by both the state government delegation and the construction firm, who gave firm assurances on key issues.
One of the seven trunks of the Relief Market under development
A major highlight of the discussions was the commitment by the government to provide a well-structured relief market for displaced traders, ensuring uninterrupted business operations throughout the construction phase. In addition, Primeprojects Construction Company Ltd pledged to construct an ultramodern Civic centre for the Obollo community at a location to be determined by residents, as part of its corporate social responsibility.
The project aligns with the broader urbanization and economic development agenda of the Enugu State Government under Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. In January 2025, the state government enacted Executive Order No. 1 and the Land Use Regulation 2025, collectively titled “Enugu State Designation of Land as Urban Areas.”
With the commencement of preliminary works and strong collaboration between government, private partners, and community stakeholders, the Obollo Afor International Market project is widely seen as a timely intervention poised to redefine commerce in Udenu Local Government Area and beyond.
✍️ AkaEzeAka Media Team.
