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From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has expressed with confidence that the Central Market Complex will create wealth and bring development to the State when completed.
Both made the remarks on Friday during the ground breaking ceremony of the market project at Umuohiadagu Umualum in Nekede area of Owerri.
Obasanjo who was the special guest of honour at the event and led the ground breaking ceremony with Governor Uzodimma urged the team of promoters to go all out to look for investors following the governor’s full assurance and support.
He said he is confident that the money invested will be recouped through profit from the investment.
Obasanjo said “the Owerri Central Market Complex has been planned in a way that when completed, it will attract business men and women from across the country and beyond, as there will be facilities, variety, opportunity, prosperity, security, among others.”
“So whoever wants to come will have a sense of participation, belonging and security. It will be opportunity to create jobs, wealth, harmony, unity and development for Imo State and Nigeria at large.”
Earlier in his speech Uzodimma regretted that the construction of the Owerri Central Market Complex was stalled for a very long time as a result of many challenges, including illegal balkanization of the land.
He said in the wisdom of the government, a Commission of enquiry was set up which led to the recovery of the land, noting that going forward, government will play its role not to betray the confidence of those who have elected to invest in the project.
The Governor further noted that the project is a product of Foreign Direct Investment, “as the investors are coming with money from outside Nigeria to invest in it,” insisting that “it is the responsibility of government and people of Imo State to provide enabling environment for them.”
He ordered that all illegal construction that will stand as obstruction to the project should be removed.
He thanked former President Obasanjo for continuously having the interest of the country at heart and for the support he has always shown to Imo State, through successive governments.
While appreciating Imo people who trooped out in their numbers to show solidarity with the project, the Governor encouraged the Chief Promoter of the project, Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu, to remain resolute, as the State government will support the efforts. “We will encourage you to climb. Don’t be afraid, we will support you.”
