Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo has commissioned the new Solution Arena: Fruit and Vegetable Market in Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State as part of effort to modernize its marketplaces, provide safe trading spaces and boost local economic activity.
Located at Agulu lakeside road in Umuowelle, Agulu, the new Solution Arena would serve as the permanent site for the Nwagu-Agulu Fruit Market, which was displaced by ongoing road construction. The modern market features 60 new shops, which would be given to traders free of charge.
Commissioning the facility, Governor Soludo emphasized his administration’s commitment to economic and infrastructural transformation across Anambra.
He outlined various ongoing projects aimed at improving access roads and creating safe marketplaces to eliminate street trading hazards.
According to him, similar projects is underway in Onitsha and Nnewi where designated spaces would be prepared to relocate street traders and provide them with better facilities.
Governor Soludo further called on residents to embrace a Public-Private-Community Partnership (PPCP) model for sustainable development, encouraging collaborative efforts between government, private entities, and communities noting that through PPCP many communities have successfully built infrastructure, including roads and markets.
In their separate speeches, members of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Nkechi Ogbuefi and Hon. Ejike Okechukwu, representing Anaocha I and II constituencies respectively, expressed gratitude to Governor Soludo for his commitment to Anaocha people.
On his part, the Managing Director of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Mr Ossy Onuko, expressed gratitude for the governor’s leadership, saying the new facility would be properly managed to ensure sustainability. He urged traders to seize the opportunity to grow their businesses in the modern marketplace.
The Solution Arena project was successfully executed by Onuko-led ACTDA following commendations from Governor Soludo for delivering quality work.
Responding, beneficiaries of the new market shops, Mrs Catherine Agajielu and Utonyili Ngozi said the facility will improved safety, convenience and quality of the new market while commending the Governor for his efforts to support small businesses.
Those in attendance included Chief of staff to the Governor, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi, the Deputy Chief of Staff Mr Chinedu Nwoye, Chairman of Anaocha Local Government Area Mr. Rome Ibekwe, top government functionaries, community leaders and women groups.
