The Ikwerre Traders Association (IKETA) has presented patronship certificate to Hon. Chimbiko Akarolo, the Mayor of Port Harcourt city local government area of Rivers state.
The association has also presented 2012 calendar and portrait built in his image to him.
The ceremony took place at the Mayor’s office, Port Harcourt city LGA
Presenting the certificates to the Mayor, the president of Iketa, Deacon Kenneth C. Eze, who spoke on behalf of the association, said the presentation of the certificate to him was in recognition of his leadership qualities, honesty, friendly disposition, care and transparency.
He added that his love for Ikwerre traders in Port Harcourt and Ikwerre land in general made them give him the certificate.
The association chairman who congratulated Hon. Akarolo on his victory at the council poll and his subsequent swearing in as the mayor of Port Harcourt city LGA, described his victory as an act of God which was based on his track records as the former Phalga PDP chairman and one time caretaker chairman of Port Harcourt City LGA, believing that he will bring his wealth of experience to bear in the discharge of his duty.
According to him, during the council election Ikwerre traders association mobilized its members to vote massively for PDP candidates in Phalga, believing that he, Hon. Akarolo, would bring dividends of democracy to the grassroots.
Deacon Eze who recalled the formation of the association 16 years ago disclosed that it was founded to give pride and dignity to the few lonely Ikwerre sons and daughters in the business who were previously dominated by other tribes, it was also to foster unity among the Ikwerre people and Ikwerre traders.
He further revealed that the association which started with initial membership of twelve 12, now has a membership strength of over 4,000 registered members spread across the state of the federation, adding that the association is still growing.
The association chairman who disclosed that he was aware of the pending court case in Hon. Justice Diepriye’s court instituted by one Mr. Vincent Nnokam of Nkpolu Oroworokwo Ultra modern market against Port Harcourt LGA and that the association went to court inh December 2011 to intervene and possibly settle out of court, which was granted.
He pleaded that a committee should be set up to look into the crises in the various markets to ensure peace.
Mr. Eze further appealed to the Mayor on behalf of Mile 1 market to work out modalities for the owners of the market to liaise with the state government and expedite action on the commencement of the remaining phase of the mile one market, quickly conclude the relocation of the original shed owners to the completed part, to enable them continue with trading activities in the market.
He called on Ikwerre youths to engage themselves in trading instead of waiting endlessly for non-existing white collar jobs or criminal activities.
In his response, Hon. Chimbikor Akarolo commended the traders for forming the association and lauded them for being engaged in trading.
The Mayor further disclosed that the reason for delay of the second phase of the Mile One market was because Phalga was not given a role to play during the building of the first phase of the market and the present government was having the problem of where to relocate the occupants before building another, assuring that as soon as the problem is solved the phase II of the mile 1 market will commence.
The Mayor assured them of giving the owners of the market preference during the allocation of the market as well as creating a conducive environment, build two more markets in the Port Harcourt City, assist the Ikwerre traders association to achieve their goal.
Hon. Akarolo who noted that some youths were interested in making quick money hence they could not engage themselves in minor jobs, promised to change their attitude by ensuring that they engage in skills.
According to him, the Phalga council would soon design a skill programme that would engage the youths of the area. ###
Emeka Jilly Ejiowhor
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