Market Women Applauds Cross River State First Lady
By: Eme Offiong, Calabar
The women of Akim community market in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, southern Nigeria have appreciated the Wife of the governor, Reverend Eyoanwan Otu for inaugurating 120 modernized stalls.
The market women, who turned out in their numbers for the commissioning of the new stalls, said that the shops would enable them properly secure their foodstuffs and household items especially from hash weather thereby translating to more money in their pockets.
Mrs. Grace Edem said, “before now I was sitting by the corner to sell my foodstuffs. But, now the food will be better protected from too much sunshine and rain. It will reduce waste or loss of income. I will have more money to take care of my family and me.
“In fact, I am very happy with this project because it is touching me directly. I will no longer carry my goods everyday to the market and transport same back home. It was stressful, time consuming and expensive. May God bless”.
Fulfilling promise
In her remarks, Mrs Otu, who said that the stalls were built in line with Governor Bassey Otu’s “People First” mantra, said the facility was designed and equipped to enhance the income of the women as well as encourage more patronage.
According to Otu, fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goal 5, which targets closing the gender equality gaps and empowering women economically was the focus in developing the stalls besides promoting hygiene and protecting the environment.
The first lady said, “by revitalizing and modernizing these market structures, we aim not only to enhance the trading environment but also to alleviate the challenges faced by market users and sellers.
“The significance of this structure reflects our commitment to ensuring that our markets meet the needs of a modern society while preserving the vibrancy and vitality of our cultural and economic heritage,”
Otu added that, “the remodelled Akim Market structures have been designed with the utmost consideration for functionality, safety, and convenience, thereby creating a conducive environment for commerce and trade to thrive.”
Also speaking at the event, the Paramount Ruler of Calabar Municipality and Ndidem of the Quas, Eta Bassey Eteta the third described the project as “a welcomed development. It is a good thing that Her Excellency has the market at heart because these days, very few people do. This will not be forgotten in a hurry. On behalf of the Akim community and Calabar Municipality, I want to say thank you.”
The Commissioner for Local Government, Dr. Victor Idem also appreciated the wife of the governor for the gesture, which he said was a symbol of “genuine love to Akim community. With this beautiful project, this community will never forgot you.”
In heartfelt appreciation, the Akim Market Women Association presented a souvenir to Mrs Otu after different cultural displays that entertained those in attendance.
Olusola Akintonde
