By Karen James
Chief Bonaventure Muo, Chairman of the bustling Ochanja Market in Onitsha, has commended Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, for his transformative leadership. In a recent statement, Chief Muo lauded the governor’s efforts to improve the state’s economic infrastructure, particularly in the area of market development and revenue generation.
“Governor Soludo is the best leader we’ve ever had in Anambra, right from his time as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN),” said Chief Muo. “It has always been my dream to work under his leadership, and now that dream has come true.” He emphasised that the governor has invested significantly in making Anambra State a better place, and this has been evident in the management and growth of the markets.
https://youtu.be/3U48cAVmheA?si=U6C2pvqJB7Zo2MVI
Speaking about the successful management of Ochanja Market, Muo highlighted the importance of understanding the dynamics within the market, especially when dealing with traders who vastly outnumber those not involved in business. “Managing a large market like Ochanja requires knowing the people you work with and maintaining a peaceful atmosphere,” he explained. “We’ve created a controlled environment where traders thrive, ensuring the election periods and other potential crises are handled smoothly.”
Chief Muo also stressed that the market has operated peacefully under his leadership for the past two years. He credited this stability to the introduction of revenue collection systems, such as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) collection, which have helped the market grow without any significant disruptions.
However, he addressed rumours circulating about an alleged conflict involving himself, the Relief Market Chairman, and the Onitsha Main Market Chairman. It was rumoured that they were attempting to unseat the Chairman of Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA PG). Muo firmly denied these allegations, calling them baseless. “I have no time for such matters, and I am not jobless. My focus is on running Ochanja Market efficiently and in line with government regulations,” he stated.
Muo expressed disappointment in Chief Anuna Onwa’s recent leadership style, alleging that his actions were undermining the efforts of dedicated market leaders who have been instrumental in strengthening the relationship between the traders and the state government. “It is disheartening to see someone in a position of power try to remove leaders who are working hard for the growth of the market and who are strong stakeholders of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the market,” he added.
He called on Governor Soludo to intervene and address the situation before it escalates, urging Chief Onwa to refocus on promoting peace and unity in the market, which has long been a hallmark of Ochanja’s success.
“We are here to emulate the peaceful ways of our leaders, and we will continue to do so. Wherever there is peace, there is growth,” Muo concluded, reaffirming his commitment to fostering harmony and development within Ochanja Market.
This statement comes at a time when leadership tensions within market unions are being closely watched, as traders and stakeholders seek stability ahead of upcoming political events.
However, He expressed his concern over the recent actions by Onwa, accusing him of attempting to undermine successful market leaders and slow down the progress of IGR payments. Despite these challenges, Muo reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining Ochanja’s top position in the state’s IGR contributions, with the market having generated ₦101 million in 2023 as he was ranked first position in IGR contributions.
However, Muo noted that opposition forces, aligned with him in order to slow the Govt IGR payment so that the state government will presume that either we’re not competent enough or there’s a crisis in the market so they can think about removing the leadership and replacing us with another batch who has already been pencilled down.
With all attempts to slow down traders’ payments for the 2024 fiscal year. “As they’re trying to discourage traders, we are committed to fulfilling our obligations and paying the government’s IGR for this year,” Muo reassured.
In closing, Chief Muo reaffirmed the importance of unity among market leadership and traders to ensure continued success and growth. “We must remain focused on the peaceful coexistence and development of the market. With proper leadership, Ochanja will continue to thrive,” he concluded.
Speaking about the successful management of Ochanja Market, Muo highlighted the importance of understanding the dynamics within the market, especially when dealing with traders who vastly outnumber those not involved in business. “Managing a large market like Ochanja requires knowing the people you work with and maintaining a peaceful atmosphere,” he explained. “We’ve created a controlled environment where traders thrive, ensuring the election periods and other potential crises are handled smoothly.”
Chief Muo also stressed that the market has operated peacefully under his leadership for the past two years. He credited this stability to the introduction of revenue collection systems, such as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) collection, which have helped the market grow without any significant disruptions.
However, he addressed rumours circulating about an alleged conflict involving himself, the Relief Market Chairman, and the Onitsha Main Market Chairman. It was rumoured that they were attempting to unseat the Chairman of Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA PG). Muo firmly denied these allegations, calling them baseless. “I have no time for such matters, and I am not jobless. My focus is on running Ochanja Market efficiently and in line with government regulations,” he stated.
Muo expressed disappointment in Chief Anuna Onwa’s recent leadership style, alleging that his actions were undermining the efforts of dedicated market leaders who have been instrumental in strengthening the relationship between the traders and the state government. “It is disheartening to see someone in a position of power try to remove leaders who are working hard for the growth of the market and who are strong stakeholders of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the market,” he added.
He called on Governor Soludo to intervene and address the situation before it escalates, urging Chief Onwa to refocus on promoting peace and unity in the market, which has long been a hallmark of Ochanja’s success.
“We are here to emulate the peaceful ways of our leaders, and we will continue to do so. Wherever there is peace, there is growth,” Muo concluded, reaffirming his commitment to fostering harmony and development within Ochanja Market.
This statement comes at a time when leadership tensions within market unions are being closely watched, as traders and stakeholders seek stability ahead of upcoming political events.
However, He expressed his concern over the recent actions by Onwa, accusing him of attempting to undermine successful market leaders and slow down the progress of IGR payments. Despite these challenges, Muo reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining Ochanja’s top position in the state’s IGR contributions, with the market having generated ₦101 million in 2023 as he was ranked first position in IGR contributions.
However, Muo noted that opposition forces, aligned with him in order to slow the Govt IGR payment so that the state government will presume that either we’re not competent enough or there’s a crisis in the market so they can think about removing the leadership and replacing us with another batch who has already been pencilled down.
With all attempts to slow down traders’ payments for the 2024 fiscal year. “As they’re trying to discourage traders, we are committed to fulfilling our obligations and paying the government’s IGR for this year,” Muo reassured.
In closing, Chief Muo reaffirmed the importance of unity among market leadership and traders to ensure continued success and growth. “We must remain focused on the peaceful coexistence and development of the market. With proper leadership, Ochanja will continue to thrive,” he concluded.
