National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Paulinus Nta, A’IBOM |
In response to consensus public opinion that market unions should be banned across the state, the state government, through the special Assistant to the Governor on market matters, Mr. Idorenyin Raphael, recently announced that membership of market unions should not be made mandatory and the farmers should be allowed to bring and sell their farm produce freely.
He made the declaration during an enlarged traders’ meeting, held on Thursday at Appiu Hotel in Uyo.
The enlarged meeting, was attended by stakeholders, market presidents, and management of Ibom Fadama Bank. The traders, stakeholders, and market leaders from across the state.
They commended Governor Umo Eno on his first anniversary in office and lauded his efforts towards their welfare and boosting trade and commerce in the state.
They specifically applauded his disposition towards traders, provision of 1.5 billion Naira interest-free loans, construction of Ndiya street, drainage, and solar light project in Akpan Andem Market, Uyo, appointment of traders into government, and implementation of the AK-Cares initiative, which, according to them, has lifted traders out of poverty and boosted their businesses.
The traders also commended the Governor for establishing the Ibom Model Farm and Resort, which they believed, will boost food production and price stability, and for collaborating with the Federal Government to establish the Ibom Deep Seaport.
They also appreciated the payment of 18.2 billion Naira in gratuities to retired civil servants, primary school teachers, and local government workers, the launch of “one project per L.G.A” initiative, construction of strategic rural roads, provision of storage facilities to enhance trading activities, and the consolidation of existing policies and programs.
Speaking on behalf of the group, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Market Matters, Idorenyin Raphael, stressed the need for traders to take part in non-interest loans to boost their businesses and engender economic development.
Raphael emphasized that membership in market unions should be voluntary, and warned that any group or market union that restricts individuals from selling their goods within any market in the state for not being part of a union will face legal action. He also stated that any induction fee for traders looking to join a market union in Akwa Ibom State should not exceed N5,000.
