By Juliana Nwachukwu
It was celebration galore on October 17 at Ogbaru Main (Relief) Market, Ogbaru Local Government Area as the market honoured its 13 active members aged 90 years and above with awards, cash, bags of rice, wrappers, provisions and detergents.
Speaking at the event which started with a Holy Mass at the market, the market Chairman, Chief Ndubuisi Ochiogu said that they celebrated the nonagenarian because it is among the works given to him by God.
According to him,”Whenever I’m going around in the market, I monitor and observe people’s actions, I do see people who have come of age, I discuss with them and on the process I inquire their age and which they disclosed. They still on such age display their wares and other things.
“That was the reason somebody came up with an idea that one of his line members is 90 years and he is worth to be celebrated. So I affirmed to the idea and we decided to look for more of them so that it will not be only one person, and we have started doing it.
“This is the first time of doing such in all the markets in Anambra State, we will continue doing it, it will be every five years by the Grace of God if I remain on the seat, the successor after my leadership can continue if he emulates me,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Ochiogu reiterated his achievements so far in the market, saying that he installed solar lights, bore holes, shop burglary proof, offset electricity debt of #11million plus accumulated EEDC bill and other numerous achievements.
He earlier commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his good governance in the state and urged everyone to endeavour to exercise his franchise come November 8 Gubernatorial election.
He also thanked the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Market, Chief Evaristus Uba and the President General (PG), ASMATA for restoring peace in the markets.
In his speech, Uba wished the traders longevity and urged them to live Christian life in order to attain longevity like those being celebrated.
On the Gubernatorial election, he urged everyone to come out en masse and vote for APGA in the coming election which according to him has 22 days to come by.
He added that the governor has set #10M naira for any ward that comes first position, pointing out that it is a collective effort to all voters.
The President General ASMATA, Chief Humphrey Anuna commended the Chairman of the market, adding that his achievements and honour accorded to the elders called for emulation.
Earlier, the Mayor of Ogbaru Local Government Area, Hon Sir Kenneth Akwobi said that he is overwhelmed for celebrating the nonagenarian, recalling the death of his father who died two months ago at the age of 92.
He thanked God and commended the market executives, nonagenarian, and Ochiogu, praying God also for longevity.
The APGA Secretary, Ogbaru Local Government Area, Hon. Osigwe Chimezie in his remarks commended Chief Ochiogu whom he said is a very powerful financier in APGA, Ogbaru Local Government and a critical stakeholder, adding that it was the reason he came to identify with him at the event.
Highpoint of the event was the cutting of the anniversary cake by the nonagenarian, flanked by the Mayor of Ogbaru Local Government Area, Hon Kenneth Akwobi, Uba, Anuna, Ochiogu and others.
Juliana is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
