NEWS
Ekeoha Shopping Centre Nears Completion as Abia State Govt Targets April Reopening as 97% Finished First Phase Sparks Hope for Traders Return, Job Revival and Modern Market Transformation in Aba
...as Traders Express Joy, Praise Governor Otti’s Intervention
…Government Reaffirms Commitment to Original Traders, Says Project Designed for Modernization Without Displacing Traders
The Abia State Government has expressed strong optimism that the ongoing remodeling of the first phase of the Ekeoha Shopping Centre in Aba will be completed within a few weeks, paving the way for traders to return to their shops before the end of April this year.
This assurance was given during a joint inspection visit to the market site by the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Dr. Salome Obiukwu, alongside the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade, Commerce and Industry, Chief Nwaka Inem, where both officials assessed the pace and quality of work done so far.
During the inspection, the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Mrs Obiukwu, emphasized that the original shop owners remain central to the state government’s relocation and allocation plan, insisting that no policy would override their rights.
She noted that the administration of Governor Alex Otti is intentional about transparency and fairness in the redevelopment process, especially in ensuring that displaced traders regain access to their shops as soon as renovation is completed.
“So our intention is to let our traders know that His Excellency,Dr Alex Otti means well for them and that is why he has sent us to come and inspect the extent you people have gone in fulfilling the terms of the agreement.
“And from what we have seen, we are going to report back to him that this place, at least the first two blocks are ready for allocation if you complete those little things that remain.
“So by the end of April, we will start allocating the shops back to their original owners because they are the people to take the first decision,“ Commissioner Obiukwu stated.
She further urged the leadership of the market to mobilize traders to actively participate in the ongoing voters’ registration exercise, encouraging them to ensure that a significant percentage of traders obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in support of democratic participation.
Also speaking during the inspection, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade, Commerce and Industry, Chief Nwaka Inem, stressed that the administration is committed to modernizing markets across Abia State without inflicting long-term hardship on traders.
He explained that the visit was to reassure traders that the government is fully committed to its promises, especially the pledge that original occupants of Ekeoha Shopping Centre would not be permanently displaced.
“Today we were more practical and intentional with our plans. Our plans are to modernize the whole market environment.
“We were very intentional while signing the concession to the developers that there must be a time limit so that the people you displace here don’t have to stay there for a very long time.
“So our visit today is to prove to them that what we promised we weren’t playing, that the market will be redeveloped and the environment will be improved and the original traders will return. Of course, we’ll increase the quantity,“ Chief Inem said.
He further stated that the government would continue to closely monitor the project developer to ensure strict compliance with the agreed terms of the tripartite arrangement, noting that the ongoing work reflects the original vision of the administration for a modern commercial hub in Aba.
“I think, but what we are seeing here is something that is in line with what we planned and envisaged,“ he remarked.
Providing technical updates during the inspection, the project manager of Rhino Homes, Arch. Gbenga Bamgboye, disclosed that the first phase of the project comprising 984 shops is now about 97% completed.
He added that with only minor finishing works remaining, full completion of key facilities, including a 20-tonne lift and internet connectivity infrastructure, would be achieved within weeks.
“From what you could see on the ground, we’re already on two blocks. We’re already about 97% fully completed, while on the other one, we can say presently, we’re on 90% completed. That’s to the third block,“ he said.
He further explained that the redesigned market incorporates modern safety and engineering features, including a steel roofing structure designed to reduce fire risks, alongside emergency response installations.
“Our projection is that we’ll have a period of about the next eight weeks to bring the three blocks into full completion, while the other two blocks that were almost completed in two, three weeks, like we have mentioned, they can fully be ready with all the various facilities that have already been projected for.
“We are making an arrangement for an indirect firefighting level, and also the hose rail to be planted in all the various places connected to a source of water, that in case there is any issues, it can be fought directly from either one individual shop or the point of where it originated from” Arch. Bamgboye stated.
Some traders at the Ekeoha Shopping Centre, including Blessing Ude, Mr Morgan, and Mr Jude Osuagwu, expressed deep satisfaction with the transformation of the market.
They commended Governor Alex Otti for fulfilling his promise of rebuilding the market into a more organized, safer, and modern commercial environment, describing the ongoing project as a long-awaited breakthrough for traders in Aba.
For many of them, the near-completion of the market represents not just infrastructure renewal, but the restoration of livelihoods, dignity, and renewed 
hope for business growth in the commercial city.