Hon. Timothy Kalu Iheke Inaugurates New Leadership of Aba Grocers Sellers Association (Salad Market), Restoring Peace, Unity and Transparency in Aba North’s Commercial Hub

Today, the Executive Chairman of Aba North Local Government Area, Hon. Timothy Kalu Iheke, has inaugurated the newly elected executives of the Aba Grocers Sellers Association, popularly known as Salad Market, marking a renewed chapter of peace, unity, and progressive leadership in one of Aba’s major commercial centers.

Representing the Executive Chairman at the event, the Deputy Chairman of Aba North, Hon. Christian Chijioke Ogbuisi (Oyinbo), expressed deep gratitude to God for the gift of life and the opportunity to witness the historic inauguration. He also appreciated the presence of key council officials, including the Leader of the Aba North Legislative Council, the Chief of Staff, the Head of Service, and other dignitaries, for their unwavering support towards the administration’s developmental strides.

Hon. Ogbuisi commended the market community for embracing peace after a turbulent period of leadership crisis, emphasizing that the return of stability was a testament to the transparent, peaceful and people-centered leadership of Hon. Timothy Iheke. He urged the newly inaugurated executives to uphold the values of truth, humility, integrity, and service, reminding them that their positions are a privilege and not a right. He admonished them to lead as servants of the people rather than lords over them, and to ensure fairness and justice in their dealings with members.

He further explained that the dissolution of the former leadership was a necessary step taken by the council to address the deep-rooted crisis in the market, paving the way for the appointment of a sole administrator to restore peace and order. According to him, this intervention was guided by the Mayor’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the welfare of traders.

Hon. Ogbuisi also reminded the traders of their civic responsibility to support Governor Alex Chioma Otti’s administration, describing the Governor as a visionary leader committed to economic growth and a cleaner, safer Aba. He particularly urged the traders to maintain proper sanitation within the market since their business involves perishable goods that easily attract environmental pollution. In closing, he encouraged them to participate actively in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise as responsible citizens.

Earlier in his address, the Sole Administrator of the market and Supervisory Councillor for Finance, Hon. (Pst.) Promise Iroabueke, warmly welcomed all attendees, describing the event as a celebration of unity, progress, and renewed purpose within the market community. He expressed deep appreciation to Hon. Timothy Iheke for the trust and support extended to him in his role and to Governor Alex Otti for creating a peaceful and secure environment for business growth.

Hon. Iroabueke highlighted several notable achievements under the Mayor’s leadership, including:

1. Restoration of peace among market executives.

2. Provision of security gadgets for market officers.

3. Restoration of electricity supply in the market.

4. Unification of divided groups under the original name “Aba Grocers Sellers Association.”

5. Reduction of registration fees for new members.

6. Conduct of a transparent, free, and fair election.

He congratulated the new executive team for earning the traders’ trust and charged them to lead with humility, unity, and mutual respect, quoting Philippians 2:3 as a guiding principle for selfless service.

In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated Chairman of the Association, thanked God Almighty, the Executive Chairman, and the entire leadership of Aba North for their support. He pledged that under his leadership, the market would remain peaceful, law-abiding, and progressive, declaring that the era of crisis and division is over. He also commended Hon. Promise Iroabueke for his exemplary leadership, transparency, and sincerity during his tenure as Sole Administrator and appealed to the council to consider him for future assignments given his outstanding performance.

The oath of office was administered by the Head of Service, who charged the new executives to uphold the constitution guiding the association and to discharge their duties with integrity, honesty, and impartiality.

Dignitaries present at the inauguration included the Leader of the Aba North Legislative Council, Rt. Hon. (Pst.) Nnamdi Sunday, the Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman, Hon. Onyekachi Okoroafor, the Council Auditor, and the Personal Assistant to the Executive Chairman, Hon. Prince Awa Nmaju, among others.

The event concluded on a note of optimism and renewed commitment to a peaceful, prosperous, and united market community, in alignment with the vision of Hon. Timothy Kalu Iheke and the transformational governance of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR.