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. Advise relocation of street traders, dealers on inflammable goods

By Uzo Ugwunze

The Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) has demonstrated its commitment to community support by presenting a cheque of one million naira (#1m) to the victims of a devastating fire at Nkpor Main Market in the Idemili North Local Government Area. 

During the presentation of the bank draft/cheque, ASMATA's President General, Chief Humphrey Anuna, conveyed his condolences to the market chairman, Chief Paul Okafor, and other fire victims. Anuna urged the affected traders to find strength in their hearts and stressed the importance of implementing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. 

                     

Expressing his compassion for the extensive damages caused by the inferno, Anuna shared that the profound impact prompted him to allocate funds from the ASMATA welfare purse. The monetary assistance is intended to support the victims in rebuilding their businesses, providing a fresh start after their shops and goods were engulfed by the fire. He encouraged the affected traders to maintain unwavering faith in God and revealed that Governor Charles Soludo was similarly moved by the damages, emphasizing the need for vigilance against fire outbreaks, particularly during the harmattan period.

The ASMATA President reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing trader welfare, aligning with the promises made in his manifesto upon assuming office as the PG. He called on all traders to rally behind Governor Soludo's efforts to advance the state. Anuna highlighted the pressing need to create motorable roads within the market and advocated for the relocation of petty traders obstructing the front of the Nkpor market, causing difficulties for potential customers in finding parking spaces.

                           

A fire victim at Nkpor Main Market, Mr Felix Njom who lost both all his goods, money and wife within same period

Additionally, plans were disclosed to relocate traders dealing in inflammable chemicals and goods from inside every Anambra market. The proposal involves establishing secure shops outside the main market area to prevent future incidents.

In response to ASMATA's benevolent gesture, the market chairman, Chief Ugochimereze Paul Okafor, expressed his satisfaction, revealing that 29 shops were significantly affected by the fire. He provided detailed information about the extent of the damage, stating that goods worth over 70 million naira were destroyed in the inferno that occurred on December 20, 2023, triggered by a power surge.

Commending ASMATA's President General for the generous one million naira donation, Okafor urged other well-meaning individuals and groups to extend their support to the fire victims. He emphasized the challenges faced by those struggling to rebuild and recounted the experiences of additional victims who echoed the urgent need for financial assistance.

The line chairman where the 29 affected shops were located, Mr. Sunday Epundu, and the Nkpor Market Secretary General, Mr. Chinedu Odunukwe, also lauded ASMATA's efforts and echoed the call for further assistance from the community. In a broader context, the chairman of Idemili zone, Chief Emmanuel Obiagwu, expressed satisfaction with the traders' commendable response during the incident. 

He underscored ASMATA's commitment to supporting the victims in their journey to rebuild their lives, acknowledging the association's perception of the market as an integral part of the ASMATA community.