The leadership of the Abia state Markets Amalgamated Traders Association ASMATA ,has been tasked on the need to ensure that the current transformational wind blowing across all sectors of the state socio-economic life is not disrupted after 2027 .
Speaking at the occasion of the formal inauguration of the re-appointed Chief Alphonsus Udeigbo-led ASMATA leadership,at the Ministry of Trade and Commerce in Umuahia on Thursday March ,26, 2026 ,the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce Dr Salome Obiukwu harped on the need for traders and ,the entire business community to make both individual and group sacrifices towards encouraging and supporting Governor Alex Otti’s unrelenting efforts at repositioning the state .
Dr Obiukwu urged the ASMATA executives to see their re-appointment as a divine calling , tasking them on the imperative of educating ,and mobilising traders ,and members of the Abia state business community to work towards sustaining the modest gain made so far in the Abia renewal project .
According to the Commissioner ,the only way the traders could show appreciation for the massive infrastructural renewal projects across the nooks and crannies of Abia state ,is to work towards the return of Governor Otti in 2027 .
” For all well meaning Abians ,there is this important project at hand; and that is the task of ensuring that our God-sent gift , Governor Alex Chioma Otti remains after 2027,to consolidate his transformation of the state .
“For the sake of posterity,there is the need to ensure that the efforts to totally reclaim the lost fortunes of Abia state is not halted after 2027 .
“To this end ,I urge you to impress it on traders , members of the business community ,the need for every well meaning Abiansl to make sacrifices,in time, energy and even resources to ensure that the process of repositioning and lifting Abia continues after 2027.
“The decision we make today in Abia , will either make or mar the future of our children and unborn generation.” Dr Obiukwu stated.
This is as she called on the leadership of the ASMATA to equally educate traders on the importance of supporting and encouraging the Government by way of observing their civic responsibilities and obligations , including active participation in the electoral processes ,and payment of their statutory levies and rents
The Commissioner also emphasized the importance of fostering unity and peace at the various markets in the state , with a call on the re-appointed ASMATA leadership to carry everybody along in their activities..
She expressed Government’s readiness to patterner with the ASMATA in tackling identified challenges facing traders in the state..
The President -General of ASMATA,Chief Udeigbo , while speaking on behalf of the re-appointed market leaders,assured that the re-election of Governor Otti in 2026 is non-negotiable .
He expressed the unflinching determination of traders and business community in Abia to partner with all relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure that Abia does not return to the dark past .
Chief Udeigbo , while appreciating the confidence reposed in them,assured that Governor Otti will surely get his own well-deserved second term as the ASMATA leadership.
“We stand before you today feeling deeply honoured and profoundly grateful,as we humbly accept our re-appointment as Executives of the Abia state Market Amalgamated Traders Association ASMATA .
” We appreciate the Government for this great show of confidence ,and trust in our leadership . Our re-appointment is not only a personal honour,but a call to service . We assure you that we will not disappoint” Udeigbo stated.
Chief Udeigbo similarly lauded the Government for its unalloyed commitment towards the growth and development of Abia markets, including ongoing remodeling and reconstruction efforts.
The ASMATA President -General appreciated the leadership of the various Markets in the state for their support , cooperation and understanding in the concerted efforts to improve the standards of the markets.
While reaffirming its commitment to partnering with the Government in its efforts to move the state forward, the ASMATA leadership appealed to the authorities for assistance in the area of mobility .
According to Chief Udeigbo ,the umbrella body of traders , and other sensitive groups within the ASMATA , including its standing taskforce, women wing and the Harmonized Window income, will perform optimally if they can be provided with vehicles to facilitate their operations.
The ASMATA leadership also appreciated the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce for her wisdom and pragmatic approach ,as well as her ability to carry everybody along.
